Abstract
Background: Hallux valgus (HV) is a gait-altering orthopedic deformity, somewhat more prevalent in women, which often affects both limbs. Although surgery is a commonly applied treatment, there is no consensus in the literature on how invasive HV correction affects spatiotemporal gait parameters, or how quickly improvement can be expected. We investigated gait parameters in female HV patients who underwent bilateral surgical correction of hallux valgus, both preoperatively and 18 weeks following surgery (a timeframe relevant from the perspective of physical therapy), and also in relation to a non-HV control group. Methods: A total of 23 women aged 40–70 years, with moderate to severe HV deformity in both feet, were assessed preoperatively and 18 weeks postoperatively, and an age-matched control group of 76 healthy women was also assessed. A total of 22 spatiotemporal parameters were collected during 30 s walks over an electronic walkway (Zebris Medical System). Results: Of the 22 parameters analyzed, significant differences between the preoperative experimental and control groups were found only in 4 parameters (Velocity, Right step time, Total double support and Stride time), but in 16 parameters between the postoperative experimental and control groups (the greatest impact being found for: Left and Right Step time, Stride time, Cadence, Right Foot rotation, Left Step length (% leg length) and Stride length (% leg length)). Conclusions: Women after bilateral HV correction did not exhibit improved (i.e., more normal) gait parameters at 18 weeks postoperatively; rather, they showed more gait abnormalities than preoperatively. These findings urge longer-term planning of postoperative rehabilitation, involving continual evaluation of gait improvement.
Highlights
Hallux valgus (HV) is a common orthopedic deformity encountered in clinical practice that affects 23% to 38% of the population in general, with a higher prevalence in women (30%) than in men (13%) [1]
Deschamps et al [3] have reported that genetic predisposition, wearing inappropriate shoes, trauma and biomechanical compensation for structural and functional deformities may contribute to this disorder; Pérez Boal et al [4] have proposed that HV development involves a skeletal parameter of the first metatarsal bone and proximal phalanx hallux
There were no significant differences with respect to the age, body mass, height and BMI between the experimental and the control groups
Summary
Hallux valgus (HV) is a common orthopedic deformity encountered in clinical practice that affects 23% to 38% of the population in general, with a higher prevalence in women (30%) than in men (13%) [1]. Hallux valgus (HV) is a gait-altering orthopedic deformity, somewhat more prevalent in women, which often affects both limbs. We investigated gait parameters in female HV patients who underwent bilateral surgical correction of hallux valgus, both preoperatively and 18 weeks following surgery (a timeframe relevant from the perspective of physical therapy), and in relation to a non-HV control group. Conclusions: Women after bilateral HV correction did not exhibit improved (i.e., more normal) gait parameters at 18 weeks postoperatively; rather, they showed more gait abnormalities than preoperatively. These findings urge longer-term planning of postoperative rehabilitation, involving continual evaluation of gait improvement
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