Introduction: Hallux valgus is a prevalent deformity of the forefoot, characterized by deviation of the great toe (hallux) toward the second toe and prominence of the metatarsal, along with the formation of a bony structure known as a bunion on the medial edge of the foot. The purpose of this retrospective study was to compare the efficacy, VAS pain scale scores, and patient satisfaction between the Chevron and SERI (Simple, Effective, Rapid, Inexpensive) surgical techniques in the correction and treatment of moderate hallux valgus.
Method: This was a non-randomized clinical trial of 70 patients who underwent surgery for correction of hallux valgus using one of two techniques (Chevron technique, n = 35; SERI technique, n = 35) at Baqiyatallah Hospital in the second half of 2022. The hallux valgus angle (HVA) and intermetatarsal angle (IMA) were measured preoperatively and one year after the operation using radiographic and medical records. Patient pain levels were evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and subjective satisfaction was also assessed. Both parameters were evaluated and documented in patients' medical records. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 26, with comparisons made using the t-test and chi-square test.
Result: In the preoperative evaluation, the mean intermetatarsal angle (IMA) was 12.97 ± 1.70 (range: 11.27–14.67) in the SERI group and 12.08 ± 1.24 (range: 10.84–13.32) in the Chevron group. The mean preoperative hallux valgus angle (HVA) was 32.80 ± 3.26 (range: 29.54–36.06) in the SERI group and 32.17 ± 1.94 (range: 30.23–34.11) in the Chevron group. At the one-year postoperative follow-up, the mean IMA was 8.14 ± 1.50 (range: 7.64–10.64) in the SERI group and 9.37 ± 1.03 (range: 8.34–10.40) in the Chevron group. The mean postoperative HVA was 10.28 ± 1.60 (range: 8.68–11.88) in the SERI group and 14.4 ± 1.41 (range: 12.99–15.81) in the Chevron group. Postoperative HVA and IMA measurements showed a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.05). The SERI group experienced significantly lower pain levels compared to the Chevron osteotomy group (P < 0.05). Additionally, patient satisfaction was significantly higher in the SERI group compared to the Chevron group (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrate that the SERI technique provides higher patient satisfaction and lower pain levels compared to the Chevron technique at the one-year follow-up. This study showed better surgical outcomes with the SERI technique for moderate hallux valgus.