Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the distal metatarsal articular angle as a key factor in choosing between the proximal closing wedge osteotomy and scarf osteotomy.
Method: The investigation involved 40 feet: 32 females aged 13-68 in whom 24 unilateral and 8 bilateral operations had been performed from 24 to 63 months previously.
Results: There were statistically significant differences between groups in the postoperative hallux valgus angle and in first metatarsal shortening. We found an inverse correlation between the preoperative distal metatarsal articular angle and intermetatarsal angle improvement after proximal closing wedge osteotomy and a positive correlation after scarf osteotomy.
Conclusion: This study confirmed the value of distal metatarsal articular angle assessment.