Abstract

The results achieved in 20 patients (32 feet) who underwent Wilson's osteotomy of the first metatarsal for the treatment of hallux valgus were reviewed. In all cases the osteotomy site was stabilised with one or two cortical screws. The patients' average age was 50.7 years (range: 34-74 years) and they were followed for a mean period of 33.1 months (range 12-63 months). The average AOFAS score was 85.5 (range: 62-100) at the final follow-up and in 84.4% of the cases the final outcome was very satisfactory as far as symptomatic improvement was concerned. Wilson's osteotomy stabilised with cortical screws was found to reliably give satisfactory correction of the hallux valgus and first intermetatarsal angles, while allowing safe patient mobilisation and early weight bearing. This effectively resulted in shorter rehabilitation time, early return to work or normal activities and a very satisfactory functional outcome.