Hallux valgus patients have worse pain than the general population. Surgery produces a significant improvement in the quality of life. The severity of the deformity did not influence the QoL, however; the free choice of shoeware and the degree of satisfaction with the surgery had a positive effect on the QoL outcome. SF-36 is a relevant tool for evaluating outcome in hallux valgus surgery.

Clinical outcomes demonstrated no differences between the procedures, but patients who had a Lindgren osteotomy showed better radiographic correction. Loss of correction was noted in both groups after 3 to 6 years. Neither of the osteotomies is recommended for patients with an HVA of more than 30 degrees or an IMA of more than 15 degrees.

The prevalence of forefoot- and hallux valgus surgery was not evenly distributed in the six major regions in Sweden. It is more common in urban than in rural regions. Furthermore, forefoot surgery is performed more frequently in private clinics than in community hospitals despite common financial sources.