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Meta-Analysis
. 2023 Sep 20;16(1):63.
doi: 10.1186/s13047-023-00661-9.

Global prevalence and incidence of hallux valgus: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Yangting Cai  1   2   3 , Yuke Song  2   3 , Mincong He  2   3 , Wei He  2   3 , Xianxin Zhong  2   3 , Hao Wen  4   5 , Qiushi Wei  6   7
Affiliations
Meta-Analysis

Global prevalence and incidence of hallux valgus: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Yangting Cai et al. J Foot Ankle Res. .

Abstract

Background: Though hallux valgus is a common foot deformity, the integrated information on its global prevalence and incidence is relatively lacking. The aim of this research was to assess the global prevalence and incidence of hallux valgus, thus providing reliable data reference for clinical practice.

Methods: A systematic review of global hallux valgus research publications concerning its prevalence and incidence was performed based on six electronic databases ((PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), China Online Journals and CQVIP)) from their inception to November 16, 2022. The search terms included "hallux valgus or bunion and prevalence or incidence or epidemiology." All languages were included. Data were extracted by country, continent, age group, gender and other information. The risk of bias was assessed by the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Instrument for Studies Reporting Prevalence Data by using random-effects models to synthesize available evidence.

Results: A total of 45 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The overall pooled estimated prevalence was 19% (95% CI, 13% to 25%) (n=186,262,669) for hallux valgus. In subgroup meta-analyses, the prevalence of hallux valgus was 21.96% (95% CI, 10.95% to 35.46%) in Asia, 3% (95% CI, 0% to 15%) in Africa, 18.35% (95% CI, 11.65% to 26.16%) in Europe, 29.26% (95% CI, 4.8% to 63.26%) in Oceania, and 16.1% (95% CI, 5.9% to 30.05%) in North America, respectively. The pooled prevalence of hallux valgus by gender was 23.74% (95% CI, 16.21% to 32.21%) for females and 11.43% (95% CI, 6.18% to 18%) for males. The prevalence was 11% (95% CI, 2% to 26%) in individuals younger than 20 years old, 12.22% in adults aged 20-60 years (95% CI, 5.86% to 20.46%) and 22.7% in elderly people aged over 60 years (95% CI, 13.1% to 33.98%).

Conclusion: This research provided the global prevalence and incidence of hallux valgus in terms of its spatial, temporal, and population distribution. The global estimated pooled prevalence and incidence of hallux valgus was 19%. A higher prevalence of hallux valgus was found in females, Oceania countries, and among people aged over 60 years. Due to the high heterogeneity of the included studies, the findings should be interpreted with caution.

Keywords: Hallux valgus; Incidence; Meta-analysis; Prevalence; Systematic review.

PubMed Disclaimer

Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
PRISMA flow diagram. HV: hallux valgus; PRISMA: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses; RhA: Rheumatoid Arthritis; CNKI: https://www.cnki.net/; China Online Journals: https://www.wanfangdata.com.cn/; CQVIP: http://www.cqvip.com/
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Forest plot of the overall prevalence of hallux valgus. Confidence intervals and pooled prevalence estimate for HV. The analysis was conducted using a random-effects model
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Relationship between prevalence of HV and publication tear. The pooled prevalence estimates from random effects models for studies providing data for specific year groups. Each point represents the pooled prevalence estimate for that year group
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
The distribution world map of the prevalence of HV. The world map displays the distribution of the prevalence of HV in different regions of the world. The darker shades indicate higher prevalence rates
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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