Fourth Generation Hallux Valgus Correction

Abstract

The surgical method described in this paper has shown numerous benefits when compared with traditional minimally invasive surgery (MIS) techniques for the correction of hallux valgus. Although modern, third-generation MIS techniques have been widely adopted for this purpose due to perceived improvements in patient outcomes, those can be largely attributed to the incorporation of a novel system of rigid internal fixation allowing for a reduced risk of surgical complications. By incorporating the second-generation MIS technique of transverse osteotomy with third-generation fixation techniques, the authors have been able to devise a hybrid, fourth-generation MIS technique that shows improvements both in terms of patient recovery and ease of surgical operation. The mechanism-based reasoning used in this study classifies it as diagnostic level V in accordance with the OCEBM 2011 Levels of Evidence. For a complete description of levels of evidence, see Instructions for Authors.