[Surgical treatment of hallux valgus in children and adolescents: 46 cases treated with the Mitchell technique].
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study is to discuss special features of hallux valgus in children and assess place of a surgical procedure in some patients.


METHODS
A retrospective study of 40 children (46 feet) operated for hallux valgus was conducted. An etiology was identified in 10 per cent of cases and 90 per cent were considered as idiopathic. From a clinical and radiological analysis of 46 feet, we describe the anatomical particularities and the indications of the surgical treatment. The Mitchell's technique is described in detail. The correction of the metatarsal varus and the metatarsophalangial valgus was obtained without breaking off the growth plate of the first metatarsus.


RESULTS
Clinically, results were satisfactory in 84 per cent of the cases. Radiologically, results were excellents in 45 per cent and good in 35 per cent.


CONCLUSIONS
Hallux valgus in the child is often underestimated; operative treatment should be proposed in some patients. Mitchell's technique gives good results with an early and simply correction.
Willemen
L
L
Service de chirurgie pédiatrique, Pavillon T BIS, Hôpital E. Herriot 69437 Lyon Cedex 03, France.
Kohler
R
R
Metaizeau
J
J
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006215:Hallux Valgus / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies