Percutaneous distal osteotomy of the first metatarsal (PDO) for the surgical treatment of hallux valgus.

The authors report their experience in the treatment of hallux valgus by percutaneous distal osteotomy (PDO) of the first metatarsal. Surgery is performed under truncular anaesthesia, in day-surgery, and weight-bearing is allowed immediately. Between January 2001 and December 2002 this procedure was used to treat 83 patients (90 feet). Long-term clinical and radiographic follow-up revealed the percentage of excellent results, in line with open surgery. Post-surgical complications are also considerably reduced, with better patient compliance.