Keller-Brandes operation: long-term outcome in young patients with hallux valgus

Objective: Aim of this retrospective study was to analyse the long term results (10-16 years) after Keller-Brandes' operation for correction of hallux valgus in the younger patient.

Methods: From 1980 to 1986 fifty-one patients (77 feet) at the age of 40 years or younger at the time of surgery (19-40 years, [symbol: see text] 34 years), were operated according to a resection-arthroplasty at our institution. 24 patients (37 feet) were evaluated retrospectively after 10 to 16 years (median: 13 years) in respect to their clinical outcome. Radiological evaluation was performed preoperatively in 23 feet and in 34 feet at follow up. Analysis was performed using a standardized questionnaire based on the HMIS-Score of the American Foot and Ankle Society, an additional clinical score, weight-bearing radiographs, the patient's record and clinical investigation inclusive pedobarographic analysis.

Results: Seventy-six % of the patients revealed very good or good subjective overall results. The HMIS-Score revealed excellent or good results in only 57%. Cosmetic was rated very good or good in 64%, 70% of the patients were painfree. Average ROM of the MTP I-joint ranged from 25 degrees flexion to 45 degrees extension. Radiological analysis at follow up: hallux valgus angle-correction: 28 degrees to 19 degrees, no change of the intermetatarsal angle (11 degrees), proximal shift of sesamoids: 9.4 mm to 14.4 mm, neoarticulation gap: 0-2 mm in 23 feet and 3-5 mm in 11 feet, arthritis of IP-joint: 82%: none; 18%: moderate; correction of sesamoid position: 1.7 to 1.4. Metatarsalgia was observed in 27% (10 feet).

Conclusions: Lateral weight transfer to the lesser metatarsal heads is caused by defunction of the great toe postoperatively which may lead to metatarsalgia (transfer-metatarsalgia). Besides pain relief younger patients require satisfying functional and cosmetic long-term results. To be capable of meeting these requirements, adequate joint preserving procedures like basal or distal metatarsal osteotomies conjuncted with soft tissue procedures should be preferred in respect to the grade of the deformity.