Abstract

Bunionectomy with medial capsulorrhaphy was performed on 54 feet (37 patients) and follow-up was obtained on 49 feet (33 patients) at a mean of 4.8 years postoperatively. Results were excellent in 17 feet, good in 16, fair in 7, and poor in 9. Mean motion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint was 81 degrees. The primary reason for failure was recurrent deformity. Patients were dissatisfied with the results in 41% of the feet. Mean intermetatarsal 1-2 angle increased 1.7 degrees and mean metatarsophalangeal-1 angle increased 4.8 degrees. The operation was significantly more successful in patients who underwent it for painful medial eminence. Bunionectomy with medial capsulorrhaphy is recommended for elderly patients with symptoms primarily due to prominent medial eminence, and its application for the young patient with significant hallux valgus deformity is limited.