Introduction and purpose: Hallux valgus is a pathological condition with a high incidence in adults. Both open and percutaneous surgical techniques have been developed for its treatment. The aim of our study is to retrospectively assess the validity of the minimally invasive surgical method used by our department and determine its rate of complications.

Materials and methods: We retrospectively studied 100 patients that underwent surgery for hallux valgus using the MIS technique between 2000 and 2005 in our department. These cases were operated by 2 experienced surgeons and had a maximum 2-year follow-up during which they were assessed both clinically and statistically to determine the outcome and complication rate of this surgical method.

Results: MIS osteotomy performed in our department (double osteotomy of the first toe, bunionectomy, tenotomy of the adductor of the first toe and osteotomies of the 2nd, 3^rd and 4^th metatarsals) for the treatment of hallux valgus resulted in a good degree of correction with an acceptable rate of recurrences and complications such as 2^nd metatarsal nonunion and superficial infections in less than 10% of cases. The majority of patients were completely satisfied with the clinical results with AOFAS assessment tests that were good or very good.

Conclusions: In spite of the fact that radiographically 35% of the patients suffered partial recurrences, more than 90% of the patients were clinically asymptomatic. Therefore we consider this a valid technique for the treatment of hallux valgus in adults.