Hallux valgus; An observational study on patient characteristics, surgical treatment and pre-operative HRQoL from the Swedish foot and ankle register (Swefoot)

Introduction

Hallux valgus (HV) is a common condition with impact on pain, function and HrQoL. International consensus does not exist on operative treatment of HV and population-level data regarding surgical treatment of HV is lacking. In this study we aimed to present base-line data from surgically treated HV patients reported to the Swedish register for foot and ankle surgery (Swefoot) during the period 2014–2021.

Material and Methods

In total, 7543 feet in 6770 patients were analyzed regarding patient characteristics, grading of HV, surgical procedures and pre-operative PROMs Euroqol-5 Dimension-3 L (EQ-5D-3 L) and Self-reported Foot and Ankle Score (SEFAS).

Results

Median age was 55 years (range 15–91) and 87% were women. The surgeon classified 63% of the cases as moderate HV, 15% as mild and 22% as severe. The Chevron osteotomy was the preferred surgical method and was used in 74% of all cases. Out of these, 58% were fixated with a screw. The Offset-V osteotomy was the most performed shaft osteotomy. Proximal osteotomies and lateral releases were less common. The pre-operative mean EQ-5D-3 L index and SEFAS summary score were low and HV patients with overweight and rheumatoid arthritis had significantly lower scores.

Conclusion

This is the first report from Swefoot describing surgeon- and patient reported pre-operative data in patients with surgical treated HV.