Relationship Between Quality of Life and Radiological Parameters After Hallux Valgus Correction

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the correlation between postoperative quality of life and the severity of hallux valgus deformity. Methods: A total of 23 patients underwent moderate (n = 14) and severe (n = 9) hallux valgus (HV) surgical correction with the Scarf technique between January 2010 and December 2012. The mean follow-up time was 60 months. Participants answered the SF-36 quality of life assessment questionnaire and their radiographs were evaluated at three different moments (preoperative, 1 and 5 years after surgery). Statistical analysis was performed with a maximum 5% significance level. Results: The sample consisted of two men and 21 women, aged 58.7.SF-36 mean value was 75.73 and the metatarsophalangeal and interphalangeal angles improved significantly at the three moments (p < 0.05). SF-36 showed no statistical difference between patients with moderate or severe HV (p > 0.05). No correlations were found between quality of life and pre and postoperative radiographic angles. Conclusion: Patients with moderate and severe hallux valgus submitted to surgical correction had a very good quality of life and a significant improvement in radiographic parameters. However, these variables were not correlated. Level of Evidence II, Retrospective study.

Forefoot width correction in patients with hallux valgus after rotational scarf osteotomy

“…This has a direct correlation with and could be the best predictor of good results (16)(17)(18) . The severity of the deformity or the correction of radiographic measurements (HVA/IMA), alone, does not necessarily have a direct correlation with an improvement in functional scores (6,19) . Axt et al (20) reported a 90% satisfaction among patients after Keller-Brandes operation for hallux valgus, despite 23% of the feet remaining with an altered HVA of more than 30 degrees (20) .…”