Mitchell's osteotomy

This is a distal osteotomy of the first metatarsal bone. It is commonly employed in the treatment of hallux valgus.

The procedure entails:

• lateral displacement of the distal end of the first metatarsal
• slight shortening of the bone
• tightening of the medial soft tissues to correct the valgus angle at the first metatarsophalangeal joint

Care must be taken to prevent dorsal angulation of the distal fragment of bone as this may cause pain on walking.

Reference

1. Dermon A et al. Long-term results of Mitchell's procedure for hallux valgus deformity: a 5- to 20-year follow up in 204 cases. Foot Ankle Int. 2009 Jan;30(1):16-20.