Osteotomy of the First Metatarsal Base for Metatarsus Primus Varus

An opening wedge osteotomy of the first metatarsal base using either iliac crest bone or the removed exostosis as a graft was used to treat metatarsus primus varus in 22 feet of 15 patients. The preoperative intermetatarsal angle averaged 15 degrees, with the final angle averaging 8 degrees. All osteotomies healed in 3 months with excellent cosmetic and functional results and no difference between iliac crest and exostosis grafts. We conclude that an opening wedge osteotomy of the first metatarsal base is a satisfactory method for the correction of metatarsus primus varus.