Postoperative Angular Changes According to Weightbearing in Patients With Moderate to Severe Hallux Valgus

Abstract

Hallux valgus is a progressive angular deformity of the big toe, the degree of which is aggravated in weightbearing stance. Hallux valgus and intermetatarsal angles on postoperative weightbearing images are usually larger than those of intraoperative fluoroscopic and immediate postoperative non-weightbearing images. Here, we hypothesized that various angular parameters of hallux valgus would increase postoperatively with weightbearing. A total of 66 feet (58 patients) of moderate to severe hallux valgus were reviewed on consecutive plain foot anteroposterior radiographs. The changes of hallux valgus, intermetatarsal, hallux valgus interphalangeal, and distal metatarsal articular angles were compared. Hallux valgus and intermetatarsal angles were significantly increased with weightbearing postoperatively (p < .001). Hallux valgus interphalangeal and distal metatarsal articular angles did not show significant changes with weightbearing (p > .5). Hallux valgus and intermetatarsal angles were increased with weightbearing after hallux valgus surgery. Mean angular changes were 5.3 and 2.7 degrees, respectively. These values should be considered in the preoperative planning and intraoperative correction processes.