Hallux Rigidus Grade Does Not Correlate With Foot and Ankle Ability Measure Score.

INTRODUCTION: Classification systems for hallux rigidus imply that, as radiographic changes progress, symptoms will concurrently increase in severity. However, symptom intensity and radiographic severity can be discordant for many patients. We studied the correlation between hallux rigidus grades and the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) scores to better understand this relationship.

METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed weight-bearing radiographs of the foot and FAAM Activities of Daily Living (ADL) questionnaires for 84 patients with hallux rigidus. The Spearman rank coefficient was used to correlate clinical-radiographic hallux rigidus grade with FAAM ADL scores.

RESULTS: In 84 patients, the clinical-radiographic grade for hallux rigidus showed no relationship with FAAM ADL score (r = -0.10; P = 0.36) but did show moderate correlation with patient age (r = 0.63; P < 0.001).

DISCUSSION: Advancing radiographic changes in hallux rigidus did not correspond with patient symptoms as measured via FAAM ADL scores.

CONCLUSION: The reliability and validity of current grading criteria for hallux rigidus may require further exploration.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.