Patient-reported outcome after hallux valgus surgery - a two year follow up

Abstract

Background: Patients with hallux valgus deformity may require surgery but prospective patient-reported data is scarce.

Methods: We evaluated 53 patients with a mean age of 55.3years (SD 14.1, 50 women), who underwent surgery due to hallux valgus. They completed the PROMs SEFAS, EQ-5D and SF-36 before and 6, 12 and 24 months after surgery.

Results: All patient-reported outcomes improved at 6, 12 and 24months compared with the preoperative status. The greatest improvement occurred at 6months: SEFAS Δ 10.0 (95% confidence interval 7.8-12.2), EQ-5D Δ 0.22 (0.15-0.29), EQ-VAS Δ 8.4 (4.4-12.4), PF SF-36 Δ 22.0 (14.6-29.3) and BP SF-36 Δ 30.6 (23.1-38.1).

Conclusions: Hallux valgus surgery considerably reduced pain and improved function already within 6months after surgery. The improvement between 6 and 24months' follow-up was minimal measured with PROMs.

Level of clinical evidence: III - prospective observational cohort study.

Keywords: Function; Hallux valgus; Pain; Patient-reported outcome; Prospective; SEFAS.