Surgical interventions for treating hallux valgus and bunions.

BACKGROUND: Hallux valgus (lateral angulation of the great toe towards the lesser toes, commonly known as bunions) presents in 23% to 35% of the population. This condition leads to poor balance and increases the risk of falling, adding to the difficulty in fitting into shoes and pain. Conservative (non-surgical) interventions treating pain rather than curing deformity are usually first-line treatments. When surgery is indicated, the overall best surgical procedure is an ever-evolving topic of discussion. OBJECTIVES: To assess the benefits and harms of different types of surgery compared with placebo or sham surgery, no treatment, non-surgical treatments and other surgical interventions for adults with hallux valgus. SEARCH METHODS: We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase and trial registries to 20 April 2023. We did not apply any language or publication restrictions. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised controlled trials evaluating surgical interventions for treating hallux valgus compared to placebo surgery or sham surgery, no treatment, non-surgical treatment or other surgical interventions. The major outcomes were pain, function, quality of life, participant global assessment of treatment success, reoperation (treatment failure), adverse events and serious adverse events. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently selected studies for inclusion, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias and the certainty of evidence using GRADE. MAIN RESULTS: We included 25 studies involving 1597 participants with hallux valgus. All studies included adults and most were women. One study compared surgery (V-shaped osteotomy) with no treatment and with non-surgical treatment. Fifteen studies compared different surgical techniques, including a V-shaped osteotomy (Chevron osteotomy), to other types of osteotomy. Nine studies compared different simple osteotomy techniques to each other or to a mid-shaft Z-shaped osteotomy (Scarf osteotomy). Most trials were susceptible to bias: in particular, selection (80%), performance (88%), detection (96%) and selective reporting (64%) biases. Surgery versus no treatment Surgery may result in a clinically important reduction in pain. At 12 months, mean pain was 39 points (0 to 100 visual analogue scale, 100 = worst pain) in the no treatment group and 21 points in the surgery group (mean difference (MD) -18.00, 95% confidence interval (CI) -26.14 to -9.86; 1 study, 140 participants; low-certainty evidence). Evidence was downgraded for bias due to lack of blinding and imprecision. Surgery may result in a slight increase in function. At 12 months, mean function was 66 points (0 to 100 American Orthopedics Foot and Ankle Scale (AOFAS), 100 = best function) in the no treatment group and 75 points in the surgery group (MD 9.00, 95% CI 5.16 to 12.84; 1 study, 140 participants; low-certainty evidence). Evidence was downgraded for bias due to lack of blinding and imprecision. Surgery may result in little to no difference in quality of life. At 12 months, mean quality of life (0 to 100 on 15-dimension scale, 100 = higher quality of life) was 93 points in both groups (MD 0, 95% CI -2.12 to 2.12; 1 study, 140 participants; low-certainty evidence). Evidence was downgraded for bias due to lack of blinding and imprecision. Surgery may result in a slight increase in participant global assessment of treatment success. At 12 months, mean participant global assessment of treatment success was 61 points (0 to 100 visual analogue scale, 100 = completely satisfied) in the no treatment group and 80 points in the surgery group (MD 19.00, 95% CI 8.11 to 29.89; 1 study, 140 participants; low-certainty evidence). Evidence was downgraded for bias due to lack of blinding and imprecision. Surgery may have little effect on reoperation (relative effect was not estimable), adverse events (risk ratio (RR) 8.75, 95% CI 0.48 to 159.53; 1 study, 140 participants; very low-certainty evidence), and serious adverse events (relative effect was not estimable), but we are uncertain. Surgery versus non-surgical treatment Surgery may result in a clinically important reduction in pain; a slight increase in function and participant global assessment of treatment success; and little to no difference in quality of life (1 study, 140 participants; low-certainty evidence). We are uncertain about the effect on reoperation, adverse events and serious adverse events (1 study, 140 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Complex versus simple osteotomies Complex osteotomies probably result in little to no difference in pain compared with simple osteotomies (7 studies, 414 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). Complex osteotomies may increase reoperation (7 studies, 461 participants; low-certainty evidence), and may result in little to no difference in participant global assessment of treatment success (8 studies, 462 participants; low-certainty evidence) and serious adverse events (12 studies; data not pooled; low-certainty evidence). We are uncertain about the effect of complex osteotomies on function and adverse events (very low-certainty evidence). No study reported quality of life. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There were no trials comparing surgery to placebo or sham. Surgery may result in a clinically important reduction in pain when compared to no treatment or non-surgical treatment. Surgery may also result in a slight increase in function and participant global assessment of treatment success compared to no treatment or non-surgical treatment. There may be little to no difference in quality of life between surgery and no treatment or non-surgical treatment. We are uncertain about the effect of surgery on reoperation (treatment failure), adverse events or serious adverse events, when compared to no treatment or non-surgical treatment. Complex and simple osteotomies demonstrated similar results for pain. Complex osteotomies may increase reoperation (treatment failure) and may result in little to no difference in participant global assessment of treatment success and serious adverse events compared to simple osteotomies. We are uncertain about the effect of complex osteotomies on function, quality of life and adverse events.

Retrospective Analysis of Radiographic Outcomes After Closing Base Wedge Osteotomy for Correction of Bunion Deformity.

BACKGROUND: Closing base wedge osteotomy (CBWO) is a common procedure to correct severe bunion deformities with high intermetatarsal angles. There are few data demonstrating the radiographic success of CBWOs. METHODS: We evaluated the radiographic outcomes of a CBWO. The primary aim was to assess the change in elevatus after a CBWO. Secondary aims included measuring the change in hallux abductus (HA) and intermetatarsal angles after the osteotomy. The medical records of 24 consecutive patients across 4 years were reviewed. All of the CBWOs were fixated with either one screw and one Kirschner wire or two screws. We hypothesized that the CBWO would reduce the amount of elevatus present. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 35 years. Average preoperative HA and intermetatarsal angles were 35.2° and 15.7°, respectively. Mean postoperative HA and intermetatarsal angles at last radiographic follow-up were 13.3° and 6.1°, respectively. The change in HA and intermetatarsal angles was 21.9° and 9.6°, respectively. All of the patients achieved clinical union. Mean radiographic follow-up was 6 months; median radiographic follow-up was 5 months. The mean preoperative elevatus measurement was 3.5 mm; the mean postoperative elevatus measurement was 2.0 mm (difference, -1.6 mm; P = .0282), indicating that the osteotomy plantarflexed the first metatarsal. Three patients had radiographic evidence of postoperative elevatus; they were asymptomatic at the last clinical follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Although clinical concern persists for the development of postoperative elevatus with CBWO, this case series showed plantarflexion of the CBWO. The CBWO is a powerful yet stable procedure for severe bunion deformities and should be viewed as a viable alternative to the Lapidus procedure.

The chevron bunionectomy for moderate to severe hallux valgus deformity: Effects of procedural factors on hallux valgus correction.

BACKGROUND: Effects of procedural factors on chevron bunionectomy outcomes were studied. METHODS: Included were 109 feet with distal chevron osteotomy and preoperative intermetatarsal angle (IMA) greater than 15 degrees. IMA and hallux valgus angles (HVA), release type, fixation, second-digit procedures, and risk factors were evaluated. RESULTS: Eighty-three percent (91/109 feet) had satisfactory outcomes; nine had moderate pain. From preoperative, IMA improved 7.2 and HVA 20.5 degrees. Risk factors or second-digit procedures had no effect. Lateral release improved IMA (p < 0.01), with no difference between open lateral and transarticular release; 86% percent (64/74) were satisfied with open lateral release compared with 83% (19/23) and 66% (8/12) with no release and transarticular release, respectively. Fixation did not affect outcomes. CONCLUSION: Chevron bunionectomy corrected IMA and HVA to normal with few complications. Lateral release increased IMA correction. Transarticular release had lower satisfaction than open lateral release or no release. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective.

Influencia del tratamiento quirúrgico para el hallux abductus valgus en la movilidad del primer radio / Influence of surgical treatment of hallux abducto-valgus on first ray mobility

Objetivo: El objetivo principal de este trabajo es determinar la variación de movilidad pre y postquirúrgica del primer radio. Pacientes y métodos: El diseño corresponde a un estudio prospectivo de series de casos en pacientes sometidos a cirugía de hallux valgus. Se valoró en 13 pies la movilidad del primer radio con el medidor del primer radio, la flexo-extensión de la primera articulación metatarsofalángica, el ángulo de Clarke y el “Arch Index” en pedigrafías, los ángulos hallux valgus e intermetatarsal I-II en radiografías dorsoplantares en carga, y la postura general del pie mediante el “Foot Posture Index” antes y después de ser sometidos a cirugía de hallux valgus. Todo ello con un periodo de seguimiento de 6 meses. Resultados: El rango total de movilidad del primer radio pasó de 11.74 ± 1.88 mm a 6.72 ± 2.20 mm; y el de la primera articulación metatarsofalángica pasó de 79.62° ± 22.33° a 48.69° ± 18.69° tras la cirugía. Los ángulos radiográficos de hallux valgus y ángulo intermetatarsal disminuyeron una media de 19.07° ± 8.20° y 7.23° ± 2.97°, respectivamente. El ángulo de Clarke cambió de 41.31° ± 10.79° a 38.31° ± 11.00°. El “Arch Index” cambió de 0.24 ± 0.06 a 0.25 ± 0.05. Y el “Foot Posture Index” pasó de 6.70 ± 3.33 de media antes de la cirugía a 5.46 ± 3.86 tras la misma. Conclusión: En los participantes incluidos en este estudio se observó una disminución generalizada de todas las variables examinadas tras la cirugía, a excepción de los parámetros valorados en las pedigrafías, que no llegaron a presentar diferencias relevantes.(AU)

Objectives: The main aim of this work is to determine the variation of first ray mobility before and after surgery. Patients and methods: The design corresponds to a prospective case series of patients operated of hallux valgus. A total of 13 feet have been included in this study. Measurements of the first ray mobility were obtained using the first ray mobility measurer. Furthermore, we assess the flexo-extension of the first metatarsophalangeal joint. The Clarke’s angle and the Arch Index were evalued on weightbearing footprints. The hallux valgus angle and intermetatarsal I-II angle were made on weightbearing dorsal-plantar projection radiographs. And finally, the general posture of the foot was quantified using the Foot Posture Index. All this with pre and post measurements of hallux valgus surgery and with a follow-up period of 6 months. Results: The total range of motion of the first ray decreased from 11.74 ± 1.88 mm to 6.72 ± 2.20 mm; and the range of motion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint underwent from 79.62° ± 22.33° to 48.69° ± 18.69° after surgery. The hallux valgus angle and intermetatarsal I-II angle decreased by a mean of 19.07° ± 8.20° and 7.23° ± 2.97°, respectively. The Clarke’s angle changed from 41.31° ± 10.79° to 38.31° ± 11.00°. The Arch Index changed from 0.24 ± 0.06 to 0.25 ± 0.05. And the Foot Posture Index went from 6.70 ± 3.33 before surgery to 5.46 ± 3.86 after it. Conclusion: In the participants included in this study, a generalized decrease was observed in all the examined variables after surgery, except for the parameters assessed in the pedigraphs, which did not present relevant differences.(AU)

Are Radiographs Associated With Patient Satisfaction After Scarf Bunionectomy?

There are over 350,000 bunion surgeries performed in the USA annually, making it one of the most common elective forefoot surgeries. Studies have suggested that as many as 10% of patients remain dissatisfied after bunion surgery. The purpose of this study is to evaluate if radiographic variables are associated with patient satisfaction at 1 year postoperatively. We performed a secondary analysis of prospectively collected data on 69 consecutive adult patients (mean age 45 ± 14 years, 91% female [63/69]) who underwent isolated hallux valgus surgery from January 2016 to January 2017. Subjects completed a standardized 4-item survey inquiring about their satisfaction with regards to pain relief, overall operative result, cosmetic appearance, and ability to wear desired shoe gear. Conventional radiographic indices for hallux valgus were examined preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively. An association model using backward stepwise logistic regression was utilized to determine which variables, if any, are most important in explaining patient satisfaction after surgery. Sixty-nine subjects completed the 4-item satisfaction survey with 53.6% (37/69) of subjects answering they were fully satisfied on all aspects of the survey at 12 months postoperatively. In the final regression model, no radiographic or demographic variables were associated with patient satisfaction including shoe gear, cosmetic appearance, pain relief, and overall operative result. Radiographic variables did not appear to be associated with patient satisfaction at one year postoperatively in our study. Factors such as quality of life, anxiety levels, fear of surgery, and/or preoperative expectations may offer more insight into satisfaction; however, further research should be performed to examine this further.

[Analysis of risk factors and progress on revision surgery for postoperative recurrence of hallux valgus].

Recurrence of hallux valgus is one of the most common and difficult complications after surgery. Due to the lack of understanding of 3D deformity of hallux valgus and risk factors for recurrence, the overall recurrence rate is still high, and the choice of treatment is still controversial. Improper operation and severe deformity are known risk factors for recurrence, while the role of unstable of the first plantar train and combined flat foot deformity in the recurrence has been paid more attention by scholars at home and abroad. In addition to the first metatarsophalangeal fusion, modified Lapidus osteotomy and proximal metatarsal osteotomy have been proven to be reliable revision procedures. The purpose of this study is to summarize risk factors for recurrence of hallux valgus after surgery, and to explore the choice of revision surgery after recurrence, in order to provide guidance for prevention and management of recurrence of hallux valgus.

Managing Complications of Foot and Ankle Surgery: Hallux Valgus.

Hallux valgus deformity is nowadays one of the most common and symptomatic disorders affecting the foot. Surgical corrections of hallux valgus deformity are among the most common orthopedic procedures. Despite the general high success rate complications can occur. The treatment of complications start before the first incision has been performed by thorough preoperative planning and choice of the right procedure. Once the complication is evident, thorough planning is necessary to address the patient's individual needs. In this paper the treatment of recurrent hallux valgus, hallux varus, malunion, and avascular necrosis are discussed.

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.