Impact of crossover second toe on the postoperative outcome of distal chevron osteotomy for moderate to severe hallux valgus

Abstract Background Crossover second toe is often presented in moderate to severe hallux valgus. However, its clinical impact on the postoperative outcome of hallux valgus is still unknown. Methods Thirty-five patients who had moderate to severe hallux valgus with crossover second toe were matched with 35 controls who did not have crossover second toe, according to preoperative hallux valgus angle and first-second intermetatarsal angle. Radiological parameters, Foot Function Index (FFI), and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) were assessed as postoperative outcomes at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Results At 3 months, the FFI in the crossover second toe group was lower than in the control group (p = 0.001), while other outcomes were similar. On the other hand, there were no significant differences between the groups at 6 and 12 months, in terms of radiological parameters, FFI, and VAS. Conclusions Patients who had moderate to severe hallux valgus with crossover second toe were at risk for slow functional recovery after surgical treatment in the short term, but, in the long-term, there was no difference in overall postoperative outcomes in patients with and without crossover second toe. Level of Evidence Level III, retrospective comparative study.