The Triplanar Hallux Abducto Valgus Classification System: Is it Valid?

Historically, 2-dimensional radiographic study techniques have been used to classify deformity and guide treatment of hallux valgus deformities in the transverse plane. Recently, a triplanar hallux abducto valgus classification system was proposed. The key elements of this classification system are the pathologic alignments in 3 anatomic planes. The triplanar hallux abducto valgus classification system is intended to clarify the deformity and apply a triplanar anatomic algorithm for treatment. To our knowledge, this classification system has not been validated. Our objective was to assess reliability of the triplanar hallux valgus classification system. Patients with hallux abducto valgus were identified from a foot and ankle registry. Digital radiographs were assembled in a digital slide presentation. The eligibility criteria required complete radiographic studies and represented varying degrees of hallux abducto valgus. The reviewers included 3 board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic foot and ankle surgeons. Each reviewer independently classified the hallux abducto valgus deformity for a total of 75 observations. After an 8-week washout period, the order of the hallux abducto valgus cases was randomized in the digital slide presentation and redistributed to the reviewers. The average kappa value from 3 readers was 0.241 with 95% CI (0.093-0.374), indicating a fair agreement. The inter-reader agreement was 0.046 with 95% CI (-0.041 to 0.112), showing poor agreement between readers. Our results indicate the triplanar hallux abducto valgus is not a reliable classification system. While this is the first known triplanar hallux abducto valgus classification system, it lacks prognostic value and reliability.

Classification of Hallucal Sesamoid Bone Correlated with Hallux Valgus Severity.

The hallucal sesamoid bones (HSBs), having an important role in reducing load per unit area on the first metatarsal head, can be injured commonly which also affected the first metatarsophalangeal joint and the surrounding structure. Meanwhile, differences among each HSB type may be a major factor affecting the occurrence and development of HV. So far, many researchers had learned that there are three different conditions in hallucal sesamoid bone affecting the choice of clinical surgery corresponding to different solutions in clinic. Thus, it is necessary to study the anatomical morphological characteristics of the HSB which can be helpful in clinical diagnosis and treatment, especially hallux valgus (HV). 150 X-ray and three-dimensional (3D) computed tomographic (CT) images consist of 72 left and 78 right metatarsals were applied in this anatomic study between two variables and showed by a simple scatter plot. The first metatarsophalangeal joint is divided into four different types: type I (no HSB, 1.3%), type II (with one HSB, 0.07%), type IIIa (with two HSBs when THB is bigger, 28%), type IIIb (with two HSBs when FHB is bigger, 65.3%), and type IV (with three HSBs, 4.7%). There was no statistical difference between the left and right sides, except HVA, Meary, and pitch (P < 0.05); all a, b, c, d, and i have statistical difference between male and female (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, HVA and IMA and HVA and type group have a significant correlation. In summary, HVA and IMA and HVA and classification of HSBs have significant correlations. The classification and location of HSBs can be an important basis to choose operation methods and postoperation evaluation.

Hallux Valgus Deformity and Treatment: A Three-Dimensional Approach: Modified Technique for Lapidus Procedure.

In a hallux valgus deformity, the problem is deviation of the hallux at the metatarsophalangeal joint and of the first metatarsal at the tarsometatarsal joint. Although anterior-posterior radiograph findings have been prioritized, deviation in the other planes can substantially change visible cues. The modified technique for Lapidus procedure procedure, uses all 3 planes to evaluate and correct the deformity, making radiographic measurements less useful. Using a triplane framework and focusing on the apex of the deformity, all bunions become the same modified technique for Lapidus procedure can be performed regardless of the degree of deformity, always includes triplane correction, and deformity size becomes irrelevant.

Triplane Hallux Abducto Valgus Classification.

One of the most common procedures performed in the foot and ankle is correction of hallux abducto valgus deformity or "bunion surgery." Most foot and ankle surgeons recognize the challenges associated with defining each patient's individual deformity and selecting the optimal procedure for the best long-term results. Using current 2-dimensional algorithms that focus on the severity of the transverse plane deformity, surgical outcomes have varied. In the past 10 years, high recurrence and complication rates for popular procedures have been reported. In the same period, the reported data have elucidated an evolving anatomic understanding of the bunion deformity, with an expansion to 3 dimensions, including the frontal/coronal plane. We present a new classification and approach for the evaluation and procedure selection for bunion surgery. We hope this conceptual treatise on hallux abducto valgus based on clinical consensus and current data will stimulate academic discussion and further research. This anatomic classification is based on the 3-dimensional anatomy of the first ray.

Evaluation of the 1st metatarso-sesamoid joint using standing CT - The Stanmore classification.

BACKGROUND: Little is understood about the role that relative sesamoid displacement and chondral wear have on outcome after hallux valgus (HV) surgery. All existing methods to evaluate relative sesamoid displacement have limitations and furthermore, there have been no radiographic studies evaluating metatarso-sesamoid joint wear. Standing CT scan circumvents many of the existing problems in evaluation of relative sesamoid displacement, and also enables the first radiographic study assessing metatarso-sesamoid joint wear. METHODS: Fifty feet (in 43 patients) with symptomatic HV (Group A) were compared with a control group of 50 feet (50 patients) (Group B). All images were standardised to enable reproducible measurements. The hallux valgus angle, Intermetatarsal angle, sesamoid rotation angle, sesamoid position and metatarso-sesamoid joint space were measured in all patients. RESULTS: The intra and inter-observer reliability correlation showed that the standing CT assessment of sesamoid position (1.000), rotation (0.991) and metatarso-sesamoid joint space (0.960) were highly reproducible. There was a highly significant difference (p<0.0001) in sesamoid position, sesamoid rotation and metatarso-sesamoid joint space between Group A and Group B. CONCLUSIONS: Standing CT has been shown to be a reproducible and accurate method of assessing the relative sesamoid displacement and metatarso-sesamoid joint space narrowing. The results have been used to propose a novel standing CT based classification of hallucal sesamoids, considering the degree of displacement and wear. This classification may ultimately facilitate research to provide new insight into the effect relative sesamoid displacement and chondral wear have on outcomes from hallux valgus surgery.

[Treatment of Hallux Valgus: Current Diagnostic Testing and Surgical Treatment Performed by German Foot and Ankle Surgeons]. / Aktuelle diagnostische und therapeutische Vorgehensweise bei Hallux-valgus-Deformität ­ Ergebnisse einer bundesweiten Umfrage und Vergleich mit der internationalen Literatur.

BACKGROUND: Hallux valgus is one of the most prevalent foot deformities, and surgical treatment of Hallux valgus is one of the most common procedures in foot and ankle surgery. Diagnostic and treatment standards show large variation despite medical guidelines and national foot and ankle societies. The aim of this nationwide survey is a description of the current status of diagnostics and therapy of Hallux valgus in Germany. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A nationwide online questionnaire survey was sent to two German foot and ankle societies. The participants were asked to answer a questionnaire of 53 questions with four subgroups (general, diagnostics, operation, preoperative management). Surgical treatment for three clinical cases demonstrating a mild, moderate and severe Hallux valgus deformity was inquired. RESULTS: 427 foot and ankle surgeons answered the questionnaire. 388 participants were certified foot and ankle surgeons from one or both foot and ankle societies. Medical history (78%), preoperative radiographs (100%) and preoperative radiographic management (78%) are of high or very high importance for surgical decision pathway. Outcome scores are used by less than 20% regularly. Open surgery is still the gold standard, whereas minimally invasive surgery is performed by only 7%. CONCLUSION: Our survey showed that diagnostic standards are met regularly. There is a wide variation in the type of procedures used to treat Hallux valgus deformity. TMT I arthrodesis is preferred in severe Hallux valgus, but also used to treat moderate and mild deformities. Minimally invasive surgery is still used by a minority of surgeons. It remains to be seen, to what extent minimally invasive surgery will be performed in the future.

Correlation between Manchester Grading Scale and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Score in Patients with Hallux Valgus.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the correlation between the Manchester Grading Scale and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score in patients with a hallux valgus deformity. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study sample included 181 feet of 122 patients with hallux valgus and 424 feet of 212 individuals without hallux valgus deformity as the control group. The severity of hallux valgus, utilizing a relative nonmetric scale, the Manchester Grading Scale, and the metric AOFAS score, was determined for all individuals in the hallux valgus and control groups. SPSS version 18 (Chicago, Ill., USA) was used for data analysis. RESULTS: According to the Manchester Grading Scale, the 424 feet of the normal group were classified as 'no deformity'. In the hallux valgus group, 85 feet were classified as 'mild deformity', 67 as 'moderate deformity' and 29 as 'severe deformity'. The AOFAS total score in the control group was 99.14. In the hallux valgus group, patients with mild or moderate deformity had total scores of 86.20 and 68.19, respectively. For those with severe hallux valgus, the total score was 44.69 and the differences were statistically significant (p = 0.000). Using the Pearson correlation, strong negative correlations were found between the AOFAS score and the hallux valgus angle (HVA; r = -0.899, p = 0.000). Strong negative correlations were demonstrated between the AOFAS score and the first intermetatarsal angle (IMA) as well (r = -0.748, p = 0.000). CONCLUSIONS: The AOFAS score was negatively associated with the Manchester Grading Scale, HVA and first IMA. As the severity of hallux valgus increased, the AOFAS score seemed to decrease.

Turf Toe and Disorders of the Sesamoid Complex.

A turf toe injury encompasses a wide spectrum of traumatic problems that occur to the first metatarsophalangeal joint. Most of these injuries are mild and respond well to nonoperative management. However, more severe injuries may require surgical management, including presence of diastasis or retraction of sesamoids, vertical instability, traumatic hallux valgus deformity, chondral injury, loose body, and failed conservative treatment.

A New Measure of Tibial Sesamoid Position in Hallux Valgus in Relation to the Coronal Rotation of the First Metatarsal in CT Scans.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to find a new radiographic measurement for evaluating first metatarsal pronation and sesamoid position in hallux valgus (HV) deformity. METHODS: Data from a clinical study of 19 control patients (19 feet) with no HV deformity were compared with preoperative data of 138 patients (166 feet) with HV deformities. Using a weightbearing plain radiograph in anteroposterior (AP) view, the intermetatarsal angles (IMAs) and the hallux valgus angles (HVAs) of the control and study groups were measured. Using a semi-weightbearing coronal computed tomography (CT) axial view, the α angle was measured in the control and study groups. In addition, the tibial sesamoid grades in plain radiograph tangential view and the CT axial view were measured. The tibial sesamoid position in an AP view was checked preoperatively. Based on these measurements, 4 types of HV deformities were defined. RESULTS: The mean values of the α angle in the control and HV deformity groups (control group µ = 13.8 degrees, study group µ = 21.9 degrees) was significantly different. Among 166 HV feet, 145 feet (87.3%) had an α angle of more than 15.8 degrees, which is the upper value of the 95% confidence interval of the control group, indicating the existence of abnormal first metatarsal pronation in HV deformity. Four types of HV deformities were defined based on their α angles and tibial sesamoid grades in CT axial view (CT 4 position). Among 25.9% (43/166) of the study group, abnormal first metatarsal pronation with an absence of sesamoid deviation from its articular facet was observed. The prominent characteristic of this group was that they had high grades in the AP 7 position (≥5); however, in the CT 4 position, their grade was 0. This group was defined as the "pseudo-sesamoid subluxation" group. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with HV deformities had a more pronated first metatarsal than the control group, with a greater α angle. Pseudo-subluxation of the sesamoids existed in 25.9% of our study group. From our results, we suggest that the use of the CT axial view in assessments of HV deformity may benefit surgeons when they make operative choices to correct these deformities. With regard to the pseudo-sesamoid subluxation group, the use of the distal soft tissue procedure is not surgically recommended. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Relationship between pedographic analysis and the Manchester scale in hallux valgus.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between the Manchester scale and foot pressure distribution in patients with hallux valgus deformity. METHODS: The study included 152 feet of 87 patients with hallux valgus and a control group of 391 feet of 241 individuals without hallux valgus deformity. The severity of hallux valgus was determined using the Manchester scale grading system. Plantar loading patterns in 10 foot areas were determined for all participants. RESULTS: According to the Manchester scale, 72% of the participants had no, 12.9% mild, 10.7% moderate and 4.4% severe deformity. The Manchester scale grade was highly correlated with both hallux valgus angle and first intermetatarsal angle (p=0.00). Significant differences between the four grades were present for mean pressure under the hallux and the first and second metatarsal heads only (p=0.00). The load distribution under these areas was higher as the hallux valgus progressed from mild to more severe. In all groups, the highest pressure was observed under the second metatarsal head. CONCLUSION: The Manchester scale was strongly associated with both the hallux valgus angle and the first intermetatarsal angle. The progression from mild to moderate and severe deformation is associated with peak pressure raise at the hallux, first and second metatarsal heads. The Manchester scale appears to be a useful tool to provide information for the degree of deformity and the pressure under painful foot areas.

Proximal supination osteotomy of the first metatarsal for hallux valgus.

BACKGROUND: Risk factors for hallux valgus recurrence include postoperative round-shaped lateral edge of the first metatarsal head and postoperative incomplete reduction of the sesamoids. To prevent the occurrence of such conditions, we developed a proximal supination osteotomy of the first metatarsal. Our aim was to describe this novel technique and report the outcomes in this report. METHODS: Sixty-six patients (83 feet) underwent a distal soft tissue procedure combined with a proximal supination osteotomy. After the proximal crescentic osteotomy, the proximal fragment was pushed medially, and the distal fragment was abducted, and then the distal fragment of the first metatarsal was manually supinated. Outcomes were assessed using the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score and radiographic examinations. The average follow-up duration was 34 (range, 25 to 52) months. RESULTS: The mean AOFAS score improved significantly from 58.0 points preoperatively to 93.8 points postoperatively (P < .0001). The mean hallux valgus and intermetatarsal angle decreased significantly from 38.6 and 18.0 degrees preoperatively to 11.0 and 7.9 degrees postoperatively, respectively (both, P < .0001). Sixty-nine feet (69/83, 83%) had a positive round sign preoperatively, and 66 feet (66/83, 80%) had a negative round sign postoperatively. According to the Hardy's classification of position of the sesamoids, all feet were classified as grade V or greater preoperatively, and 49 feet (49/83, 59%) were classified as grade IV or less postoperatively. Three feet (3/83, 4%) had recurrence of hallux valgus, defined as a hallux valgus angle ≥ 25 degrees. CONCLUSION: The rates of occurrence of a positive round sign and incomplete reduction of the sesamoids significantly decreased postoperatively, which may have contributed to the low hallux valgus recurrence rates. We conclude that a proximal supination osteotomy was an effective procedure for correction of hallux valgus and can achieve a low rate of hallux valgus recurrence. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective case series.

Equivalent correction in scarf and chevron osteotomy in moderate and severe hallux valgus: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Chevron osteotomy is a widely accepted osteotomy for correction of hallux valgus.(18) Algorithms were developed to overcome the limitations of distal osteotomies. Scarf osteotomy has become popular as a versatile procedure that should be able to correct most cases of acquired hallux valgus. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether patients with moderate or severe hallux valgus have better correction with a scarf osteotomy as compared to chevron osteotomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After informed consent, 136 feet in 115 patients were randomized to 66 scarf and 70 chevron osteotomies. Deformities of patients were classified as mild, moderate and severe according to IMA, and both groups were compared with independent t-tests. The results were measured using radiographic HVA, IMA and DMAA measurements. RESULTS: There were no statistical differences in HVA, IMA and DMAA between scarf and chevron osteotomy in mild to moderate hallux valgus. In severe hallux valgus, chevron osteotomy corrected HVA better than scarf osteotomy, although this group consisted of twelve patients only. Five patients in the chevron group and seven in the scarf group developed recurrent subluxation of the metatarsophalangeal joint. CONCLUSION: In patients with moderate and severe hallux valgus, the results of chevron osteotomy were at least as effective as a scarf osteotomy. Recurrent subluxation of the first metatatarsophalangeal joint was the main cause for insufficient correction. We favor the chevron osteotomy because it is less invasive, without sacrificing correction of HVA and IMA.

Surgical treatment of severe hallux valgus: the state of practice among academic foot and ankle surgeons.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the operative procedures used for treatment of severe hallux valgus by academic foot and ankle surgeons practicing in the United States. METHODS: A patient with severe hallux valgus deformity was developed as a hypothetical case: a 50-year-old woman with a severe deformity (intermetatarsal angle = 20 degrees; hallux valgus angle = 42 degrees). The patient was symptomatic with pain, did not improve with conservative measures, and wanted the deformity corrected. This case was sent to academic foot and ankle surgeons in a survey to determine their preferred operative treatment for this case. The overall response rate was 84% (128 of 153). To be included in the study group each surgeon had to have 1) foot and ankle patients comprising 50% or more of his clinical practice and 2) direct responsibility for teaching orthopaedic residents. One hundred and five respondents met the inclusion criteria and formed the study group; however, three surveys with invalid responses were deleted. RESULTS: Fifty-two percent (54 of 102) of the respondents chose a metatarsal osteotomy, 26% (26 of 102) a first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint arthrodesis, and 24% (24 of 102) a Lapidus procedure. Two respondents chose both an arthrodesis and a metatarsal osteotomy. Among the 54 respondents who chose metatarsal osteotomies, 24 used a Ludloff, 16 a proximal crescentic, eight a proximal chevron, two a scarf, two a distal chevron, and two other. In addition, secondary procedures to enhance the correction included a Weil osteotomy in 46% (47 of 102) and an Akin osteotomy in 30% (31 of 102). CONCLUSIONS: There was a wide variation in the type of procedure used to correct this severe hallux valgus deformity; approximately 50% of the respondents chose a metatarsal osteotomy, 25% chose a first MTP joint arthrodesis, and 25% a Lapidus procedure.

[Clinical signs and diagnosis of hallux valgus]. / Klinische Untersuchung + Röntgenbild. So funktioniert die Hallux-valgus-Diagnostik.

The hallux valgus deformity (fibular deviation of the big toe) is one of the most common deformities affecting lower limbs. If the hallux crosses over the second toe, the condition may be termed hallux valgus superductus, if it moves under the second toe, the term hallux valgus subductus applies. Mechanical pressure on the pseudoexostosis results in a bunion and possibly fistulization. Hallux valgus is often combined with a splay foot. Overloading of the second to fourth metatarsal heads may cause midfoot pain. As a result of the increased load, the second to fifth toes may deform into hammer or claw toes. Therefore hallux valgus should usually not be considered in its own. Apart from the anamnesis and clinical examination, X-ray diagnosis is very important for the treatment planning. A.p. and lateral X-rays should be obtained of the entire foot in the standing patient, as also an oblique view. While the latter permits evaluation of the extent of an arthrosis of the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe, the lateral films allow the longitudinal arch and the stability of the first tarsometatarsal articulation to be assessed. On the a.p. film the hallux valgus angle and the intermetatarsal (rays 1/2) angle can be determined.

Radiographic validation of the Manchester scale for the classification of hallux valgus deformity.

OBJECTIVES: Hallux valgus is a common orthopaedic condition affecting elderly people. Grading the severity of the condition commonly involves obtaining measurements from radiographs, which may not be feasible or necessary in some clinical or research settings. Recently, a non-invasive clinical assessment tool (the Manchester scale), consisting of four standardized photographs, has been developed; however, its validity has not yet been determined. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the validity of this tool by correlating Manchester scale scores with hallux valgus measurements obtained from radiographs. METHODS: Weight-bearing dorsoplantar foot radiographs were obtained from 95 subjects (31 men and 64 women) aged 62-94 yr (mean 78.6, s.d. 6.5), and measurements of the hallux abductus angle, intermetatarsal angle and hallux interphalangeal adbuctus angle were performed. These measurements were then correlated with the Manchester scale scores (none, mild, moderate or severe). RESULTS: The Manchester scale score was highly correlated with hallux abductus angle (Spearman's rho = 0.73, P<0.01) and moderately associated with intermetatarsal angle (rho = 0.49, P<0.01) measurements obtained from radiographs. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences in mean hallux abductus angles [F3 = 119.99, P<0.001] and intermetatarsal angles [F3 =29.56, P<0.001] between the four Manchester scale categories. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that the Manchester scale provides a valid representation of the degree of hallux valgus deformity determined from radiographic measurement of hallux abductus angle and intermetatarsal angle. We therefore recommend the use of this instrument as a simple, non-invasive screening tool for clinical and research purposes.

The postoperative stability of the first metatarsal

The hallux valgus deformity is characterised by an increased first intermetatarsal angle, which can be reduced by osteotomies on the first metatarsal bone, such as the Proximal osteotomy and the Scarf shaft osteotomy. Osteotomy and subsequent screw fixations were performed on 18 matched pairs of cadaveric specimens to compare the postoperative stability of these two common types of operative correction. Biomechanical testing with plantar force was carried out and failure load was measured for each specimen. The results indicate that the threaded bones provide a high postoperative loading capacity. When maximal strain was exceeded, the specimens failed in the proximal third, irrespective of the type of osteotomy. Moreover, we found that in contrast to the living age the mineral density and the individual geometry of the bone have a marked influence on the postoperative loading capacity. Finally, static biomechanical studies demonstrated that the Scarf osteotomy is significantly more stable than the commonly used Proximal osteotomy. Regarding the early postoperative mobilization of the patients concerned, the Scarf osteotomy proved to be superior, but the Proximal osteotomy requires a more cautious rehabilitation program (AU)

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[Functional CT imaging: Load-dependent visualization of the subchondral mineralization by means of CT osteoabsorptiometry (CT-OAM)]. / Funktionelle Computertomographie: Beanspruchungsabhängige Darstellung der subchondralen Mineralisierung mittels CT gestützter Osteoabsorptiometrie (CTOAM).

PURPOSE: Functional computed tomography for visualization and quantification of subchondral bone mineralization using CT osteoabsorptiometry (CT-OAM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Tarsometatarsal (TMT) and metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints of 46 human hallux valgus (HV) specimens were examined (sagittal 1/1/1 mm) on a single slice CT scanner SCT (Somatom Plus 4, Siemens AG). Subchondral bone pixels were segmented and assigned to 10 density value groups (Delta 100 HU, range 200 - 1200 HU) the pixels using volume rendering technique (VRT). The data analysis considered the severity of HV as determined by the radiographically measured HV-angle (a. p. projection). RESULTS: CT-OAM could generate reproducible densitograms of the distribution pattern of the subchondral bone density for all four joint surfaces (TMT and MTP joints). The bone density localization enables the assignment to different groups, showing a characteristic HV-angle-dependent distribution of the maximum bone mineralization of the load-dependent densitogram (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: CT-OAM is a functional CT technique for visualizing and quantifying the distribution of the subchondral bone density, enabling a noninvasive load-dependent assessment of the joint surfaces. Load-dependent densitograms of hallux valgus specimens show a characteristic correlation with an increase of the HV-angle.

[Surgical treatment of recurrent hallux valgus]. / Traitement chirurgical des récidives d'hallux valgus.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Little work has been reported on the treatment of recurrent hallux valgus. We reviewed 64 cases after surgical treatment in order to ascertain the cause of recurrence, results of the treatment given, and deduce therapeutic options and indications. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty-nine patients had 64 recurrent hallux valgus bunions. Mean age of the patients was 58 years, 54 women and 5 men. The clinical and radiographic preoperative work-up led to two categories of treatments. In 35 cases, conservative treatment was used to re-align the axis by procedures on the soft tissues either alone or in combination with MacBride tendon transfers, metatarsal osteotomies, or osteotomies to shorten the first phalange. In 29 cases, metatarsophalangeal arthrodesis was used. Patient satisfaction, pain, deformation, shoe wearing and activity were recorded at follow-up. The same radiological parameters were used postoperatively to assess anatomic results. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was more than 6 years (range 2-18 years). The subjective result was good in 52 cases. The objective result was good in 50 cases and poor in 14 (including 7 cases with insufficient correction). The results were analyzed by type of treatment. DISCUSSION: The preoperative analysis demonstrated that recurrence is due to insufficient initial treatment which must take into account all the components leading to the deformation. Arthrodesis gave a good result in 83% of the cases and conservative treatment gave a good result in 71%. Thus, in our opinion, no one type of treatment of recurrent hallux valgus can be applied for all patients. Nevertheless, conservative treatment should associate complementary procedures that can be deduced from the clinical and radiological analysis.

The first intermetatarsal angle in hallux valgus: an analysis of measurement reliability and the error involved.

In view of the importance placed on the first intermetatarsal angle in the assessment of surgical intervention in hallux valgus, we assessed the reliability with which one measures this angle. The study involved 10 observers of varying experience measuring the angle using a standard technique on 10 weightbearing AP X-rays of the foot on three separate occasions. The margin of error in measuring the angle was +/-3.60 degrees with a 95% confidence interval. Increasing and averaging the number of readings per observer or the readings of a number of observers, reduces the error. Experience doesn't improve reliability. In conclusion, improvement in the reliability of the measurements can be achieved by careful technique, performing the measurements at least twice, and averaging them.