Abstract

The long-term outcome of juvenile hallux valgus treated by a modified Austin procedure was investigated. The clinical (subjective, AOFA Scores) and radiological outcome (hallux valgus angles, intermetatarsal angles, position of the sesamoid bones and metatarsal index of 15 feet in 12 patients, aged 14 years and 2 months (SD +/- 1 year 10 months) were assessed pre- and postoperatively and after 7 years and 3 months (SD +/- 3 years). A significant improvement of the hallux valgus angle and of the intermetatarsal angle was obtained, persisting until final follow– up. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society hallux metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal and AOFA-Midfoot score were 94.5 points and 85.3 points, respectively. The modified Austin procedure appears to be an effective procedure to correct a juvenile hallux valgus deformity, with long lasting improvement, no growth disturbances and good functional outcome.