Hallux valgus and hallux rigidus: a comparison of impact on health-related quality of life in patients presenting to foot surgeons in Australia
2008

Impact of Hallux Valgus and Hallux Rigidus on Foot Health

Sample size: 120 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Gilheany Mark F, Landorf Karl B, Robinson Priscilla

Primary Institution: La Trobe University

Hypothesis

What are the differences in foot health status between patients with hallux valgus and hallux rigidus?

Conclusion

Hallux rigidus has a more significant negative impact on pain and function compared to hallux valgus.

Supporting Evidence

  • 68% of participants were diagnosed with hallux valgus and 32% with hallux rigidus.
  • Participants with hallux rigidus had greater levels of pain and functional limitation compared to those with hallux valgus.
  • The mean difference for pain was 13.8 points and for function was 15.0 points.

Takeaway

This study looked at how two foot problems, hallux valgus and hallux rigidus, affect people's foot health. It found that hallux rigidus causes more pain and trouble moving than hallux valgus.

Methodology

Foot health status was measured using the Foot Health Status Questionnaire in 120 participants seeking surgical advice.

Potential Biases

Variation in data accuracy due to multiple surgeons involved in diagnosis.

Limitations

No control group of participants with absent great toe joint pathology; potential individual variation in diagnosis by different surgeons.

Participant Demographics

82% female, mean age 48.0 years, 60% aged 45-64 years.

Statistical Information

P-Value

<0.01

Confidence Interval

4.6 to 22.9 for pain, 5.3 to 24.7 for function

Statistical Significance

p<0.01

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1757-1146-1-14

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