Results
POSTOPERATIVE COMPLICATIONS
Three patients were excluded due to inadequate follow-up, with adequate follow-up defined as at least 12 months. In total, 75 patients with 80 affected feet met the inclusion criteria, and there were 38 patients (41 feet) in group U and 37 patients (39 feet) in group L. The average age was 43.6 ± 15.8 for group U and 45.3 ± 16.3 for group L. The ratio of male patients was 21.1% (8) and 24.3% (9), respectively. A comparison of weight showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups. The distribution of sexes, ages, and sides of affected limb demonstrated no significant difference (Table Baseline characteristics of the patients in two groupsAge (years)Mean ± SDGender(Male/female)Side(Left/right)Weight (kg)Mean ± SDSD, standard deviationThe postoperative HVA and IMA improved significantly in both groups. In group U, the mean HVA was 29.5 (range, 20 to 40) degrees preoperatively and 7.1 (range, 2 to 16) degrees at the 1-year follow-up. The mean IMA was 13.4 (range, 11 to 16) degrees preoperatively and 7.1 (range, 3 to 12) degrees at the 1-year follow-up. In group L, the mean HVA was 31.2 (range, 20 to 40) degrees preoperatively and 9.6 (range, 3 to 20) degrees at the 1-year follow-up. The mean IMA was 13.5 (range, 11 to 16) degrees preoperatively and 7.9 (range, 4 to 13) degrees at the 1-year follow-up. Comparing the degrees of HVA and IMA at 1 year after surgery, the statistical value of IMA was insignificant (Radiological data of both groupsHVA, hallux valgus angle; IMA, intermetatarsal angleThe mean ROM of the first MTP joint was 66.3 degrees preoperatively and 53.3 degrees at the 1-year follow-up in group U, while the mean ROM of the first MTP joint was 63.3 degrees preoperatively and 47.5 degrees at the 1-year follow-up in group L. The degrees of ROM after 1 year in group U were better than those in group L (ROM of the first MTP jointAOFAS, American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society; MTP, metatarsophalangeal; ROM, range of motionThere was also a very low incidence of 1-year postoperative complications, including recurrent asymptomatic HV in 4 of the patients from group L and 1 of the patients from group U (defined as HVA higher than 15 degrees [