Is Hemiepiphysiodesis Enough? Evaluating Growth Modulation in Juvenile Hallux Valgus

This study investigates the effectiveness of lateral first metatarsal hemiepiphysiodesis as a growth modulation technique for treating juvenile hallux valgus (JHV) in skeletally immature patients. The authors found that while the procedure resulted in modest radiographic improvements, a significant proportion of patients (80%) still exhibited residual deformity, and nearly one-third required subsequent corrective osteotomies. The findings suggest that hemiepiphysiodesis may serve as a temporary solution but does not eliminate the need for further surgical intervention.