Health-related quality of life in patients with hallux valgus.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: No deformity of the forefoot occurs more frequently than hallux valgus (HV), which is considered to be medial deviation of the first metatarsal and lateral deviation and rotation of the hallux, either with or without medial soft tissue enlargement of the metatarsal head. The HV deformity can lead to painful motion of the joint or difficulty in daily joint activity that often requires surgical correction. The aims of this study were to investigate the levels of foot pain and quality of life of patients with HV before and after surgery. Our study is focusing on imagistic investigations in HV, clinical aspects, specific treatment, foot pain levels, quality of life and general health before and after surgery.

PATIENTS, MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our research was conducted in the period 2010-2015. We recruited 56 patients, 35 women and 21 men, age range 20 to 76 years, mean age 44.4 years, with HV (radiographic HV angle 25-40 and >40). We applied Visual Analogue Scales (VAS) for the foot pain and the Euro Quality of Life - five dimensions health questionnaire (EQ-5D).

RESULTS: The results show statistically significant differences concerning the foot pain levels in VAS and also pain/discomfort, mobility and anxiety÷depression in the EQ-5D subscale in HV before and after surgery. The results prove high improvement of the scores of foot pain, discomfort, mobility and anxiety÷depression after surgery. Concerning the participation in usual activities and the self-care, the obtained results were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS: Our research was a proof that the surgery in HV represents a fruitful pathway of intervention and care and shows a high rate of success, favorable outcomes and improvement in quality of life of the patients.