The Austin, or Chevron, osteotomy is a commonly performed procedure for selected hallux valgus deformities. It is named for the V-shaped bone cut made near the head of the first metatarsal.
After the osteotomy is created, the metatarsal head is shifted to improve alignment. The correction is then stabilised, commonly with internal fixation. The bony prominence may be reduced and soft tissues balanced according to the needs of the foot.
This approach is often suitable when the deformity is mild to moderate, the first metatarsophalangeal joint remains reasonably healthy and there is no major proximal instability requiring correction elsewhere. It allows the surgeon to correct alignment while preserving the joint.
It may be less appropriate when the bunion is severe, the joint is substantially arthritic, there is marked instability, the deformity is recurrent or the anatomy requires a more proximal correction. Careful assessment and weight-bearing imaging are therefore essential.