Temporary Screw Lateral Hemiepiphysiodesis of the First Metatarsal for Juvenile Hallux Valgus Deformity: A Case Series of 23 Feet

Abstract

Juvenile hallux valgus (JHV) can limit the quality of life of the affected children. This study aims to evaluate the outcomes of temporary screw lateral hemiepiphysiodesis of the base of the first metatarsal. A chart review of patients who underwent temporary screw lateral hemiepiphysiodesis of the first metatarsal at a tertiary care pediatric orthopedic center was done. A total of 23 feet of 14 patients were included. The mean age of the patients was 10.6 ± 1.8 years, while the bone age was 11.1 ± 1.8 years. The mean follow-up duration was 24.7 ± 13.4 months (range: 12-60 months). The hallux valgus angle (HVA) improved from a mean of 30.9° ± 6.7° to a mean of 27.6° ± 8.2° (p = .001), while the intermetatarsal angle (IMA) improved from a mean of 14.6° ± 2.3° to a mean of 12.5° ± 3.0° (p < .001). Revision surgery was done for 5 (21.7%) feet of 3 patients for symptomatic uncorrected deformity (4 feet) or screw migration due to bone growth (1 foot). The mean HVA correction was 5.00° ± 3.7° in patients with bone age of 12 years or less compared to 1.50° ± 4.6° in patients with bone age of more than 12 years (p = .060). The radiological outcomes of temporary screw lateral hemiepiphysiodesis of the first metatarsal for JHV deformity correction are promising, especially in children with lesser bone age. The procedure was technically simple to perform and had minor complications.

Keywords: first metatarsal; foot; hallux valgus angle; hemiepiphysiodesis; juvenile hallux valgus; toe.