Authors' objectives:

The objective of the report was to assess the usefulness of percutaneous hallux valgus surgery.

Authors' results and conclusions: Only four case series reports of poor methodological quality were found, with subjectively reported results. Magnan et al performed a percutaneous distal metatarsal osteotomy in 118 feet (82 patients) from 1996 to 2001, with a mean clinical and radiological follow-up of 35.9 months. Ninety one percent of patients expressed their satisfaction after surgery. According to the American Orthopedics of the Foot and Ankle Society (AOFA) s hallux metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal scale, mean score was 88.2 &#61617; 12.9. In the before-after analysis, significant changes (p<0.05) in the radiological evaluation of the hallux valgus, first intermetatarsal angle and sesamoid position were observed. In three cases (2.5%) recurrence in the deformation was observed; in eight cases (6.8%) painless rigidity in the metatarsophalangeal joint was observed and one case (0.8%) presented deep infection which was treated with antibiotic therapy. Portulari et al reported 197 operated feet (in 156 patients). Median follow-up was 16.4 months with clinical and radiological results showing positive results in 89% of the cases. Sanna et al report this surgery in 90 feet (83 patients). They present clinical and radiological results similar to those obtained with conventional surgery with less complications and better acceptance in patients.

Authors' recommendations: Authors report that this technique might be beneficial as it would allow shorter surgical times, lower incidence in complications and higher patient s acceptance. However, evidence is not enough and comparisons are only made against historical controls. No recommendations from any scientific society, or other technology evaluations, or comments from the health sponsors consulted were found. Although this technology might provide results comparable to the standard technique and could offer some advantages, it is still necessary to have more evidence to be able to make concluding recommendations.

Authors' methods: Overview

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www.iecs.org.ar/

Year Published: 2007

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Argentina

Organisation Name: Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy

Contact Address: Dr. Emilio Ravignani 2024, Buenos Aires - Argentina, C1414 CABA

Contact Name: info@iecs.org.ar

Contact Email: info@iecs.org.ar

Copyright: Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy (IECS)