Effect of Proximal Dome and Distal Chevron Osteotomies on Plantar Pressures and Radiographic and Functional Outcomes in Hallux Valgus Surgery: A Retrospective Analysis

BACKGROUND No detailed comparative studies have been performed regarding plantar pressure changes between proximal dome and distal chevron osteotomies. This study aimed to compare radiographic and plantar pressure changes after distal chevron and proximal dome osteotomies and to investigate the effect of radiographic and plantar pressure changes on clinical outcomes. METHODS This study included 26 and 22 patients who underwent distal chevron and proximal dome osteotomies, respectively. Visual analog scale (VAS) and American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) forefoot scores were used to evaluate pain and functional outcomes. Hallux valgus angle, intermetatarsal angle, talar-first metatarsal angle, and calcaneal inclination angle were measured in the evaluation of radiographic outcomes. Preoperative and postoperative plantar pressure changes were evaluated. RESULTS There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in age, body mass index, or AOFAS forefoot and VAS scores. In the proximal dome group, the pressure measurement showed significant lateralization of the maximal anterior pressure point in the forefoot (P < .001). In addition, the postoperative calcaneal inclination angle was significantly lower (P = .004) and the talar-first metatarsal angle was significantly higher (P < .001) in the proximal dome group. Postoperative transfer metatarsalgia was observed in one patient (3.8%) in the distal chevron group and five (22.7%) in the proximal dome group (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS Proximal dome osteotomy led to more lateralization of the maximum anterior pressure point, decreased calcaneal inclination angle and first metatarsal elevation, and related higher transfer metatarsalgia.