Hallux Valgus : preoperative criteria and surgical outcome

Hallux valgus, commonly known as a bunion, is a deformity of the big toe which can eventually damage the rest of the foot. Wearing shoes with high heels and pointed toes has been known to influence the development of hallux valgus. Although the problem may seem minor, it can increase the risk of falling in elderly people. Surgical correction of the toe provides better results than non-surgical correction. Nevertheless, there is room for improvement in the surgical interventions currently being offered.

Of the many criteria involved in this condition, this dissertation found one that could be a predictor for the surgical outcome: the size of the hallux valgus angle on an X-ray. Of the two most common surgical interventions for hallux valgus, the simplest and least risky option proved to be just as effective as the more complex one, and is therefore the preferred treatment method.