Great Toe Interphalangeal Fusion for Hallux Valgus Interphalangeus Deformity in Young Patients.

OBJECTIVES: The purposes of this study were to examine indications, radiographic outcomes, and clinical complications for primary arthrodesis of the great toe interphalangeal (IP) joint in young patients. BACKGROUND: Hallux valgus interphalangeus deformity of the great toe is uncommon in the pediatric population and often requires fusion of the IP joint. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients, ages 8 to 19 years, who underwent operative fusion of the great toe IP joint, and had >1 year radiographic follow-up was performed. Medical records and radiographs were reviewed to determine indications for surgery, concomitant procedures, success of fusion, complications, and need for revision procedures or elective hardware removal. Differences between pre and postradiographic outcomes for the hallux valgus angle, IP angle, and intermetatarsal angle were analyzed. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients (31 feet) were included in the analyses. The average age at fusion surgery was 14.9 years (SD ± 2.3) with a mean follow-up visit of 35.2 months. The most common indications for fusion of the great toe IP joint were pain and deformity. Kirschner wire fixation was utilized in 7 cases, with the remaining 24 cases fixed with a single retrograde cannulated screw. Fifty-five concomitant toe and foot procedures were performed in 21 feet (68%) to address additional foot and toe deformity. Successful fusion occurred in 30 of 31 toes after the primary fusion. Patient satisfaction with the toe position and diminished pain were high (94.1%). Significant improvement was noted in the measure of the IP angle ( P < 0.001), with minimal clinical change in the hallux valgus angle ( P = 0.24) or the intermetatarsal angle ( P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Hallux valgus interphalangeus of the great toe was successfully managed with the fusion of the IP joint. Single screw fixation or the use of Kirschner wires led to similar outcomes. Hardware-related issues with the use of screws were the most common adverse outcome. Patients should be made aware of the possible need for hardware removal after fusion utilizing screw fixation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV-a retrospective case series.

Relationship between arthritis of the second and third tarsometatarsal joints and incongruity of the first tarsometatarsal joint in patients with hallux valgus.

OBJECTIVES: Hallux valgus is associated with tarsometatarsal arthritis; its pathophysiology remains unknown. Therefore, we aimed to elucidate the relationship between arthritis of the second and third tarsometatarsal joints and incongruity of the first tarsometatarsal joint in the sagittal plane. METHODS: Forty-three patients (64 feet) with hallux valgus who underwent surgery at University Hospital Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine were included and divided into two groups: control (without second and third tarsometatarsal joint degeneration) and osteoarthritis (with second and third tarsometatarsal joint degeneration). Intergroup comparisons of the incongruity of the first tarsometatarsal joint in the sagittal plane, age, body mass index, hallux valgus angle, first-second intermetatarsal angle, metatarsus adductus angle, Meary's angle, and calcaneal pitch angle were performed. RESULTS: The proportion of patients with incongruity of the first tarsometatarsal joint was significantly higher in the osteoarthritis group than in the control group. Logistic regression analysis identified incongruity of the first tarsometatarsal joint and metatarsus adductus angle as significant related factors for arthritis of the second and third tarsometatarsal joints. CONCLUSIONS: Incongruity of the first tarsometatarsal joint in the sagittal plane was involved in the development of arthritis of the second and third tarsometatarsal joints in patients with hallux valgus.

Influence of the shape of the first metatarsal cuneiform joint on the development of hallux valgus deformity.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the presence of certain shapes of the first metatarsal-cuneiform joint (MTC) joint in feet with hallux valgus (HV) deformity. To determine whether the anatomical orientation of this joint affects the size of the hallux valgus angle (HVA) and the first intermetatarsal angle (IMA) and whether it contributes to the dynamics of the developmental course of HV deformity. METHODS: The shape of the first MTC joint was determined on a sample of 315 feet with HV deformity. The influence of the shape of this joint on the values of HVA and IMA was explored. The relation between the position of the tibial sesamoid and the size of HVA and IMA as well as the dynamics of the development of this deformity depending on the shape of the first MTC joint, was examined. RESULTS: The oblique shape of the first MTC joint was found in 165 (52.4%) feet, the transverse in 145 (46%), and the convex shape was registered in five feet (1.6%). In the oblique shape of this joint, a moderate and severe degree of HV deformity is predominant, while in the transverse shape a mild degree dominates. A statistically significant dependence of HVA on the shape of the first MTC joint was found (Sig. = 0.010), while the dependence of IMA did not show statistical significance (Sig. = 0.105). HVA values follow the position of the tibial sesamoid in both shapes of the MTC joint while the size of the IMA in the transverse shape does not follow the change of the position of this sesamoid. CONCLUSION: The oblique shape of the first MTC joint is associated with the more severe form of HV deformity and its faster developmental course. In the analyzed sample, it was shown that HVA is higher in the oblique shape of the MTC joint and significantly depends on the anatomical orientation of this joint. Furthermore, IMA has a higher value in the oblique shape compared to transverse but this dependence is not statistically significant. The analysis showed that the oblique shape of the first MTC joint contributes to the development of HV deformity.

Correlations of Sesamoid Bone Subluxation with the Radiologic Measures of Hallux Valgus and Its Clinical Implications.

Background and Objectives: Hallux valgus is one of the most common chronic foot complaints, with prevalences of over 23% in adults and up to 35.7% in older adults. However, the prevalence is only 3.5% in adolescents. The pathological causes and pathophysiology of hallux valgus are well-known in various studies and reports. A change in the position of the sesamoid bone under the metatarsal bone of the first toe is known to be the cause of the initial pathophysiology. Purpose: The relationships between the changes in the location of the sesamoid bone and each radiologically measured angle and joint congruency in the hallux valgus remain as yet unknown. Therefore, this study investigated the relationships of sesamoid bone subluxation with the hallux valgus angle, intermetatarsal angle, and metatarsophalangeal joint congruency in hallux valgus patients. The goal is to know the hallux valgus angle, the intermetatarsal angle, and metatarsophalangeal joint congruency's correlation with hallux valgus severity and prognosis by revealing the relationship between each measured value and sesamoid bone subluxation. Materials and Methods: We reviewed 205 hallux valgus patients who underwent radiographic evaluation and subsequent hallux valgus correction surgery in our orthopedic clinic between March 2015 and February 2020. Sesamoid subluxation was assessed using a new five-grade scale on foot radiographs, and other radiologic measurements were assessed, such as hallux valgus angle, the intermetatarsal angle, distal metatarsal articular angle, joint congruency, etc. Conclusions: Measurements of the hallux valgus angle, interphalangeal angle, and joint congruency exhibited high interobserver and intraobserver reliabilities in this study. They also showed correlations with sesamoid subluxation grade.

Distributional patterns of subchondral bone density and histopathological features of the first tarsometatarsal joint in hallux valgus feet.

BACKGROUND: Hypermobility of the first tarsometatarsal (TMT) joint is frequently identified in patients with hallux valgus (HV); however, its association with the development of osteoarthritis in the first TMT joint in such patients remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to clarify the distribution of subchondral bone density of the first TMT joint via computed tomography (CT) using Hounsfield units (HU). METHODS: Patients were divided into three groups: the osteotomy (20 feet; 20 women, mean age: 61.8 years), arthrodesis (23 feet; two men, 21 women, 71.2 years), and control group (patients without HV deformity who had undergone CT scans of the foot; 13 feet; seven men, six women, 29.7 years). The HU ratios were calculated, which were defined as the HU value of each subdivision of the subarticular spongiosa of the first TMT joint [dorsomedial (DM), dorsolateral (DL), plantomedial (PM), and plantolateral (PL)] divided by the HU values of the entire joint surface. The ratios for the osteotomy, arthrodesis, and control groups were compared. The degradation of the articular cartilage in the first TMT joint was histologically graded in the arthrodesis group. Tukey-Kramer multiple comparison analysis was conducted to compare the HU ratios among the three groups, and the histological grade in each subdivision. RESULTS: The arthrodesis group demonstrated high HU ratios in the DM area of the medial cuneiform, and significantly lower HU ratios in the PL area of the first metatarsal. Lower HU ratios in the DL area were observed in both the osteotomy and the arthrodesis group when compared to that in the medial cuneiform of the control group. The histological evaluation indicated nearly normal articular cartilage for all subdivided areas in both the medial cuneiform and the first metatarsal in patients with severe HV. CONCLUSIONS: Although high subchondral bone density was identified in the DM area of the medial cuneiform in severe HV, only mild degradation was histologically observed in the articular cartilage of the first TMT joint. Our findings suggest that the indications for arthrodesis of the first TMT should be reconsidered based on the severity of the degenerative changes in the first TMT joint.

Correlation between first tarsometatarsal joint mobility and hallux valgus severity.

PURPOSE: The mobility of the first tarsometatarsal (TMT1) is said to be correlated to the severity of hallux valgus determined using both clinical and radiographic criteria. The sagittal mobility of the TMT1 joint can be evaluated objectively using a new ultrasound test, which quantifies it in the form of a unitless value (ratio of two measurements). The objective of this study was to describe the relationship between TMT1 mobility on an ultrasound test and hallux valgus severity. Hypothesis TMT1 joint mobility increases with hallux valgus severity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-nine feet were included that were being treated for isolated hallux valgus and had no evidence of TMT1 hypermobility based on the dorsal drawer test. For each foot, the presence and intensity of load transfer (LT), the intermetatarsal angle (IMA), and the hallux valgus angle (HVA) were determined. Lastly, TMT1 mobility was evaluated with the ultrasound test. RESULTS: Clinically, no LT was present in 20 feet; it was present only under M2 in 20 feet and reached at least M3 in the other nine feet. The mean IMA on radiographs was 14.6° and the mean HVA was 34.5°. The value of the ultrasound test was significantly different between the three groups of clinical hallux valgus severity: 1.17 with no LT, 1.31 with isolated M2 LT, and 1.72 when LT was at least at M3. Furthermore, this value was correlated with the IMA but not the HVA. DISCUSSION: This study revealed a relationship between increased TMT1 mobility and hallux valgus severity based on clinical (LT) and radiographic (IMA) criteria. Thus, our working hypothesis is confirmed. However, there was no correlation between TMT1 mobility and HVA suggesting that this angle is less relevant for determining the severity of the condition. This is consistent with the classical pathophysiological concept of metatarsus primus varus where the hallux valgus originates in a metatarsus varus in the tarsometatarsal area. CONCLUSION: The severity of hallux valgus is correlated with increased mobility of the TMT1 joint, which appears to have a causal role in this condition.

The impact of hallux valgus on function and quality of life in females.

BACKGROUND: The effect of hallux valgus (HV) on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and the relationship between radiographic severity of deformity and patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to compare the HRQOL of female patients with HV to the UK population. The secondary aim was to assess the correlation between PROMs, including HRQOL, with radiographic severity of deformity. METHODS: Weight bearing radiographic data (hallux valgus (HVA) angle; intermetatarsal (IM) angle) were measured in consecutive female patients presenting with HV. Each patient prospectively completed the Euroqol EQ-5D-5L questionnaire (EQ-5D), Visual Analogue Scale for Pain (VAS-Pain) and Manchester Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ). Data were stratified into age ranges and compared with an EQ-5D United Kingdom general population reference dataset. Pearson R correlation values were calculated for the PROMs and radiographic deformity. RESULTS: Between July 2015 and March 2020, 425 consecutive female patients presented with HV for consideration for surgery. EQ-5D-5L data were prospectively collected for 396 of these patients (93.2%). Females less than 65 years with HV had a statistically significantly worse quality of life compared with females of the same age group in the general population. Above the age of 65, there was no statistically significant difference in EQ-5D-5L Index score between the two groups. Younger females reported higher VAS-Pain scores compared to older patients with 91% of patients reporting some degree of pain symptoms. There was a moderate correlation with MOXFQ Index score and EQ-5D-5L Index (R = -0.51, p < 0.001) and VAS-Pain scores (R = 0.54, p < 0.001). There was no correlation between radiographic HV deformity and HRQOL measures or MOXFQ scores although it was noted that there was a trend of increasing HVA/IMA with age. CONCLUSION: Female patients presenting with HV deformity have a significantly reduced quality of life compared with the UK general population. The radiographic severity of deformity did not correlate with HRQOL measures or foot and ankle specific PROMs. Foot and ankle specific clinical PROMsmoderately correlate with HRQOL and may be a better marker of the negative effect of symptomatic hallux valgus deformity on quality of life. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Metatarsus adductus setting in adult patients: Results of a treatment algorithm with shortening arthrodesis tarsometatarsal joints two and three.

BACKGROUND: This study proposes a treatment algorithm based on the correction of symptomatic metatarsus adductus (MA) associated with hallux abducto-valgo (HAV) through tarsometatarsal joint 2-3 (TMTJ) shortening arthrodesis. Our hypothesis is that the proposed algorithm leads to realignment of the forefoot rays from two to five and reduction of the talonavicular coverage angle (TNCA) with good clinical and radiographic results. METHODS: Clinical and radiographic evaluations were performed before and after surgery at 1-year follow-up on forty-six consecutive adult patients with MA, midfoot pain, HAV and osteoarthritis and/or instability of the TMTJ 2-3 in whom shortening of the 2nd and 3rd TMT joints according to MAA and treatment of the HV according to deformity was undertaken. RESULTS: Talus-first metatarsal angle (TFMA) was the only parameter which did not statistically significantly postoperatively change. All other clinical (AOFAS score) and radiological outcomes significantly improved postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Although further studies are needed to confirm the proposed data, it would seems that the shortening arthrodesis of rays two and three has consequences on the forefoot and hindfoot by realigning the longitudinal axis of the foot. The consequent application of the algorithm and adequate correction of the HAV allow good clinical and radiographic results to be obtained. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV prospective cases series.

Influence of sesamoid position after scarf osteotomy for hallux valgus on patient-reported outcome. A prospective cohor study.

BACKGROUND: The objective was to evaluate the influence of the postoperative sesamoid position as measured with conventional radiographs on the patient-reported outcome after scarf osteotomy. The hypothesis was that incomplete reduction of the sesamoid would result in a decreased functional outcome. METHODS: Eighty-two patients who underwent scarf osteotomy for hallux valgus were prospectively assessed for up to two postoperative years. The Self-Reported Foot and Ankle Score (SEFAS) was used to assess the quality of life, and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Hallux Metatarsophalangeal-Interphalangeal Scale (AOFAS) for the functional outcome. A visual analogue scale (VAS) assessed pain, and Likert scale for patient satisfaction. Radiologically, hallux valgus angle (HVA), first-second intermetatarsal angle (IMA), and sesamoid position were analyzed. According to the final sesamoid position, patients were classified as normal position (48 patients) and outlier position (34 patients). A power analysis, conventional and logistic regression statistical analysis were performed. RESULTS: At the final follow-up, significant improvements in all clinical scores were observed for both groups (p = 0.001) with no significant difference in AOFAS score (p = 0.413), but SEFAS score (p = 0.023), VAS-pain (p = 0.006), and satisfaction (p = 0.014) were significantly better in the normal group than in the outlier group. There were significant differences between groups in final HVA (p = 0.042) and IMA (p = 0.040). In multivariate analysis, only lower VAS-pain score (OR 0.4, 95% CI 0.2-0.6; p = 0.039) and normal sesamoid position (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.6-3.2; p = 0.012) were significant predictor of patient satisfaction. CONCLUSION: At two postoperative years, normal sesamoid position as measured on weight-bearing radiographs was associated with lower pain and better patient satisfaction in patients underwent scarf osteotomy for moderate to severe hallux valgus.

Impact of pes planus on clinical outcomes of hallux valgus surgery.

BACKGROUND: Pes planus is associated with hallux valgus development. This study evaluated the impact of pes planus on clinical outcomes following hallux valgus surgery. METHODS: 191 patients underwent Scarf osteotomy for hallux valgus. Pes planus angles including talonavicular coverage angle, lateral talus-first metatarsal angle (Meary's angle) and lateral talocalcaneal angle were measured. The cohort was stratified into control (0°-4.0°), mild (4.1°-14.9°), moderate (15.0°-30.0°) and severe (> 30.0°) pes planus groups according to Meary's angle. Clinical outcomes were compared at baseline, 6 months and 24 months. RESULTS: There were 78 controls, 95 mild and 18 moderate cases of pes planus. Meary's angle was independently associated with preoperative hallux valgus angle. Pes planus angles were not associated with pain, AOFAS, SF-36 physical or mental scores. All three groups had similar clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction. CONCLUSION: Compared to patients with neutral foot arches, those with pes planus presented with more severe hallux valgus deformity but had similar clinical outcomes following surgical correction.

The influence of concomitant hammertoe correction on postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing hallux valgus correction.

BACKGROUND: Patients with hallux valgus often develop secondary hammertoe deformities of the lesser toes. Operative management of bunions with hammertoe can be more extensive; however, it is unclear whether this affects patient-reported outcomes. The aim of this study was to compare postoperative patient-reported outcome measures and radiographic outcomes between patients who underwent isolated bunion correction and patients who underwent simultaneous bunion and hammertoe correction. METHODS: Preoperative, postoperative, and change in Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) scores were compared between patients who underwent isolated hallux valgus correction and those who underwent concomitant hammertoe correction. Radiographic measures including hallux valgus angle (HVA), intermetatarsal angle (IMA), distal metatarsal-articular angle (DMAA), and Meary's angle were also compared. Targeted minimum-loss estimation (TMLE) was used for statistical analysis to control for confounders. RESULTS: A total of 221 feet (134 isolated bunion correction, 87 concomitant hammertoe correction) with a minimum of 12 months follow-up were included in this study. Both cohorts demonstrated significant improvements in the physical function, pain interference, pain intensity, and global physical health PROMIS domains (all p < 0.001). However, patients in the concomitant hammertoe cohort had significantly less improvements in pain interference and pain intensity (p < 0.01, p < 0.05 respectively). The concomitant hammertoe cohort also had significantly higher postoperative pain interference scores than the isolated bunion cohort (p < 0.01). Radiographic outcomes did not differ between the two groups. CONCLUSION: While both isolated bunion correction and concomitant hammertoe correction yielded clinically significant improvements in patient reported outcomes and normalized radiographic parameters, patients undergoing simultaneous bunion and hammertoe correction experienced substantially less improvement in postoperative pain-related outcomes than those who underwent isolated bunion correction.

Iatrogenic second transfer metatarsalgia and the first metatarsal shortening and elevation after Scarf osteotomy.

BACKGROUND: Transfer metatarsalgia is a potential complication of hallux valgus surgery. This study aimed to investigate the shortened first metatarsal length and elevation and to compare groups with and without second transfer metatarsalgia after Scarf osteotomy. METHODS: The first metatarsal length of 123 feet was measured via the Maestro's method using the metatarsal axial length and the relative second metatarsal protrusion to the first metatarsal. Metatarsal elevation was measured using the first metatarsal angle. RESULTS: Second transfer metatarsalgia occurred after Scarf osteotomy in 11 (8.9%) feet. When baseline characteristics were considered in propensity score matching, the 11 feet were compared with the 33 feet in the control group. The group with transfer metatarsalgia showed a more shortened first metatarsal axial length (-4.1 ± 1.8 mm vs. -2.5 ± 2.2 mm, p = 0.032), a significantly longer relative second metatarsal protrusion (+5.8 ± 2.6 mm vs. +1.2 ± 2.6 mm, p < 0.001), and a significantly lower first metatarsal angle (18.1 ± 4.3° vs. 21.5 ± 4.0°, p = 0.012) than the control group postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: To avoid iatrogenic transfer metatarsalgia, first metatarsal length shortening should be minimized to at least less than 4.0 mm. Furthermore, the metatarsal parabola should be retained.

Hallux valgus surgery in children with cerebral palsy: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Children with cerebral palsy are highly likely to develop foot deformities, some of which may require surgical intervention. Hallux valgus is a common forefoot deformity which can cause issues with pain, footwear, orthotic splints and soft tissues. It remains unclear what the optimal surgical treatment is for children with cerebral palsy and hallux valgus deformity. OBJECTIVE: To systematically review studies reporting the clinical and radiological outcomes of surgical correction of hallux valgus deformity in children with cerebral palsy. METHODS: A systematic review of studies published in electronic databases (Medline, Embase, Pubmed and Cochrane library) from inception until January 2021. Keywords related to hallux valgus and cerebral palsy were included. RESULTS: 58 studies were identified of which 7 met the criteria for inclusion. 200 feet in 134 patients with a mean age of 13.5 years were included, with a mean follow up period of 43 months. A range of clinical and radiographic outcomes were assessed. A treatment framework for the assessment and management of hallux valgus in children with cerebral palsy based on the published evidence is presented. CONCLUSION: Non-ambulant children with cerebral palsy with symptomatic hallux valgus should primarily undergo first MTPJ arthrodesis whilst those who are ambulant should undergo first metatarsal osteotomy± soft tissue correction.

Postural stability impairment in patients with bilateral hallux valgus: A case-control study using a stabilometer.

BACKGROUND: Hallux valgus (HV) is an important risk factor for falls (in older people); however, the detailed relationship is less understood. We aimed to evaluate postural stability in bilateral HV patients. METHODS: Two groups of 20 female patients-an HV group and a C (i.e., non-HV) group-participated in this study. Evaluations were made using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the Falls Efficacy Scale (FES), track length (LNG), velocity (VEL), enveloped area (ENV), and root mean square area (RMS). RESULTS: TUG and FES scores were significantly higher and BBS scores were lower in the HV group than in the C group. LNG was significantly longer, VEL was higher, and ENV and RMS were wider in the HV group than in the C group. CONCLUSIONS: The HV group exhibited impaired walking mobility, balance, and postural stability.

Health-related quality-of-life improvement after hallux valgus corrective surgery.

BACKGROUND: Hallux valgus is a common forefoot deformity that affects function of foot and quality of life (QoL). This study aims to identify factors associated with clinically important improvements in QoL after hallux valgus corrective surgery. METHODS: A retrospective analysis on 591 cases of hallux valgus corrective surgery performed between 2007 and 2013 was conducted. Patients' preoperative and 2-year postoperative Physical Component Score (PCS) and Mental Component Score (MCS) were compared to identify the presence of clinically significant improvements in patient-reported QoL. A multiple logistic regression model was developed through a stepwise variable-selection model building approach. Age, BMI, preoperative patient reported outcome score, PCS, MCS, pain score, gender, side of surgery, type of surgery, and presence of lesser toe deformities or metatarsalgia were considered. RESULTS: Median PCS significantly improved from 49 to 53 (p < 0.001), and median MCS remained at 56 (p = 0.724). Age, preoperative MCS and PCS were independent predictors for significant improvements of PCS at 2-year postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Three groups of patients were more likely to have significant QoL improvements after hallux valgus corrective surgery. These were the younger patients, those with better preoperative mental health or those with poorer preoperative physical health. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Is obesity a risk factor in percutaneous hallux valgus surgery?

BACKGROUND: Obesity and its relationship with higher rate of complications in orthopedic surgeries have been reported. There is no evidence of the relation between obesity and percutaneous foot surgery. Our objective was to evaluate obesity as a risk factor for complications and reoperations in percutaneous surgery of the hallux valgus. METHODS: A total 532 feet were retrospectively reviewed in which a percutaneous hallux valgus correction was performed. Complications and surgical reoperations were recorded. Patients were divided into 2 groups: BMI less and greater than 30kg/m2. RESULTS: There were no differences in the rate of complications or reoperations. The total complication rate was 8%. Obesity as an isolated risk factor, presented aOR=1.14 (95%CI 0.54-2.4, p=.714). The overall rate of reoperations was 9%. Obesity presented an aOR=0.64 (95%CI 0.27-1.49, p=.31). CONCLUSION: Obesity has not been associated with a higher rate of complications and reoperations in percutaneous hallux valgus surgery. It is a safe procedure and BMI should not influence in the prognosis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Foot and ankle abnormalities among a cohort of Nigerian school children: an epidemiological study.

PURPOSE: Foot and ankle problems in children are a common cause for paediatric orthopaedic referrals. There is a variation in the reported epidemiology of foot and ankle abnormalities across the globe. The prevalence in our locality was unknown. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence pattern of foot and ankle problems in our locality as well as compare with patterns from other geographical locations to determine the presence or otherwise, of differences among varying populations. METHODS: One thousand seven hundred and fifty-eight Nigerian primary school children aged between five and 13 years were clinically evaluated, checking for weight, height and calculation of BMI. The heel axis angle and hallux angle were measured clinically while determination of flatfeet or high arched feet was made from analysis of foot imprints. RESULTS: Hindfoot valgus was the commonest abnormality of the foot and ankle in this population with a prevalence of 34.2% and predominantly in females and older children, while hallux valgus and a high arched foot were the least common abnormalities at 0.6 and 0.7% prevalence rates, respectively. We found no statistically significant relationship between BMI and hindfoot valgus. CONCLUSION: Hindfoot valgus is the commonest foot and ankle abnormality among primary school children in our locality.

Relationship Between Hallux Valgus and Pes Planus: Real or Fiction?

Hallux valgus is one of the most common and painful deformities, occurring due to adductor/abductor imbalance of the big toe. Many structural foot disorders have been suggested as the cause of hallux valgus deformity. In this study, we aimed to show the relationship between hallux valgus and pes planus in adult males. A total of 213 patients were included in this study between May 2013 and May 2014. 54 patients with hallux valgus angle (HVA) >20° and intermetatarsal angle (IMA) >9° were evaluated in the case group and 159 patients randomly selected from those admitted for a recent foot ankle trauma with the HVA <15° and IMA <9° were the control group. All patients' HVA, IMA, and talonavicular coverage angle on anteroposterior (AP) foot radiographs and talar-first metatarsal angle (Meary's angle), calcaneal pitch angle, and lateral talocalcaneal angle on lateral foot radiographs were measured. There was no significant difference in talonavicular and Meary's angles between the groups. Calcaneal pitch angle was significantly lower in the case group, whereas talonavicular angle was higher in the control group. Calcaneal pitch angle and lateral talocalcaneal angle showed significant negative correlation with HVA and IMA. There are few reports in the literature about the relationship between pes planus and hallux valgus. Our results strongly showed a high correlation between pes planus and hallux valgus. Further larger patient cohort studies are needed to support our results.

Validating the Foot and Ankle Outcome score for measuring foot dysfunction among hallux valgus surgery patients using item response theory.

BACKGROUND: There is an absence of high quality research validating instruments that measure foot and ankle related quality of life among hallux valgus (bunion) patients' perspectives. The Foot and Ankle Outcome Scale is a patient-reported outcome instrument, that when administered to patients with symptomatic hallux valgus, provides a patient-centric perspective of their foot function. The aim of this study is to assess the psychometric properties of the instrument's five subscales among preoperative bunion surgery patients. METHODS: The Foot and Ankle Outcome Scale instrument measures Pain, Symptoms, Activities of Daily Living, Sport and Recreational Activities and Foot/Ankle Related Quality of Life. Preoperative data is collected from a sample of patients scheduled for surgical treatment of their condition in Vancouver, Canada. Classical and item response theory methods are used to report on reliability, validity and differential item functioning among subgroups. RESULTS: This study included 249 surveys, representing an overall response rate of 44.1% among 564 eligible patients. The instrument demonstrated high reliability for all subscales, though 18 items across subscales, exhibited poor discrimination between item levels. Four items score differently according to patients' sex and one item scored differently by age. CONCLUSIONS: The instrument measures five domains of health important to bunion patients. These findings suggest that the current instrument can be used with an understanding of its limitations, including redundant questions and sex-based differences. Future research should revise a number of items. The results highlight the importance of the psychometric analyses of instruments in specific patient populations.

Impact of crossover second toe on the postoperative outcome of distal chevron osteotomy for moderate to severe hallux valgus.

BACKGROUND: Crossover second toe is often presented in moderate to severe hallux valgus. However, its clinical impact on the postoperative outcome of hallux valgus is still unknown. METHODS: Thirty-five patients who had moderate to severe hallux valgus with crossover second toe were matched with 35 controls who did not have crossover second toe, according to preoperative hallux valgus angle and first-second intermetatarsal angle. Radiological parameters, Foot Function Index (FFI), and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) were assessed as postoperative outcomes at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. RESULTS: At 3 months, the FFI in the crossover second toe group was lower than in the control group (p=0.001), while other outcomes were similar. On the other hand, there were no significant differences between the groups at 6 and 12 months, in terms of radiological parameters, FFI, and VAS. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who had moderate to severe hallux valgus with crossover second toe were at risk for slow functional recovery after surgical treatment in the short term, but, in the long-term, there was no difference in overall postoperative outcomes in patients with and without crossover second toe. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative study.