Comparison of longitudinal and inverted L-type capsulorrhaphy in hallux valgus correction surgery.

The purpose of this study is to investigate clinical and radiographic differences between longitudinal capsulorrhaphy and inverted L-type capsulorrhaphy in patients diagnosed with hallux valgus (HV) to whom distal chevron osteotomy and HV distal soft-tissue procedure combination surgery was implemented.A total of 36 patients and 48 feet on whom distal chevron osteotomy and HV distal soft-tissue procedure combination surgery was implemented upon diagnosis of HV were included in the study. The patients were separated into 2 groups according to capsulorrhaphy technique, as group 1 (24 feet) wherein longitudinal capsulorrhaphy was implemented and group 2 (24 feet) wherein inverted-L type capsulorrhaphy was implemented. Both groups were compared preoperatively and postoperatively in terms of American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society HV score, visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score, HV angle (HVA), intermetatarsal angle and complications.Comparing the radiological data of both groups, the decrease in terms of HVA was significant in Group 2; however, no significant difference was detected in terms of other data. Postoperative hallux varus was observed 1 one patient in Group 2; however, this case was not statistically significant.In the distal chevron osteotomy and distal soft-tissue procedure combination, applied as a HV correction surgery technique, comparing inverted L-type capsulorrhaphy with longitudinal capsulorrhaphy techniques, it was observed that inverted L-type capsulorrhaphy was more effective in correcting the HVA. However, it should be kept in mind that L-type capsulorrhaphy is also the technique wherein hallux varus complication occurred. As a result, the conclusion was reached that both techniques are applicable and effective in HV correction surgery and the choice should be made by considering the command of the surgeon on the technique.