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A Chevron osteotomy is a bunion-correction procedure in which the surgeon makes a V-shaped cut near the head of the first metatarsal. The metatarsal head is shifted sideways to improve alignment of the big toe joint. The bone is then held in its corrected position with one or more screws, pins, or other fixation. The procedure is most commonly used for selected mild to moderate hallux valgus deformities.
read more about chevron osteotomy ...The procedure is used when a painful bunion continues to cause symptoms despite changes in footwear, activity, padding, or other nonsurgical care. It corrects part of the angular deformity by repositioning the distal first metatarsal. Surgeons assess the hallux valgus angle, intermetatarsal angle, joint condition, sesamoid position, and overall foot alignment before selecting the operation. More severe or complex deformities can require a different osteotomy, fusion, or additional soft-tissue procedures.
The surgeon makes an incision near the first metatarsophalangeal joint and exposes the distal first metatarsal. A V-shaped osteotomy is created, and the metatarsal head is translated laterally to reduce the bunion deformity. Internal fixation is used to maintain the new position while the bone heals. The prominent medial bone and tight or imbalanced soft tissues can also be addressed when needed.
The foot is protected in a postoperative shoe, boot, or other support while the osteotomy heals. Weight-bearing instructions vary according to fixation, surgical technique, bone quality, and any additional procedures. Swelling can last for several months even after the incision and bone have healed enough for regular footwear. Follow-up X-rays are used to assess alignment and bone healing before unrestricted activity resumes.
Possible complications include infection, delayed union, nonunion, stiffness, nerve irritation, hardware discomfort, and persistent pain. The bunion can recur, or the correction can be excessive and produce hallux varus. Loss of blood supply to the metatarsal head is uncommon but can cause osteonecrosis. Some patients later require hardware removal or revision surgery for recurrent deformity or persistent symptoms.
Yes. It is a common distal first-metatarsal osteotomy used to correct selected hallux valgus, or bunion, deformities.
The bone cut has a V-shaped configuration that resembles a chevron. This shape helps provide inherent stability while the metatarsal head is shifted.
They commonly are, although pins or other fixation methods can also be used. The fixation holds the corrected bone position during healing.
Yes. Recurrence can occur when the original deformity is severe, alignment factors persist, or the correction changes over time.
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Bunion Surgery. OrthoInfo, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/bunion-surgery/. Date Accessed August 12, 2026.
Bunions. OrthoInfo, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/bunions/. Date Accessed August 12, 2026.
Complications of Screw-Fixated Chevron Osteotomies for the Correction of Hallux Abducto Valgus. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14623993/. Date Accessed August 12, 2026.
Rates of Revision Surgery Using Chevron-Austin Osteotomy, Lapidus Arthrodesis, and Closing Base Wedge Osteotomy for Correction of Hallux Valgus Deformity. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18590886/. Date Accessed August 12, 2026.