Why do lesser toes deviate laterally in hallux valgus? A radiographic study

Improvement of Valgus Deviation of the Lesser Toes of Moderate to Severe Hallux Valgus After Proximal Chevron Metatarsal Osteotomy and Akin Osteotomy

BACKGROUND

This study examines the correction of lesser toe valgus deviation following proximal chevron metatarsal osteotomy (PCMO) and Akin osteotomy in moderate to severe hallux valgus patients, while identifying influencing factors.

METHOD

Among 89 patients (116 feet), those with moderate to severe hallux valgus underwent PCMO and Akin osteotomy. Radiologic assessments included preoperative metatarsus adductus angle (MAA), hallux valgus angle (HVA), intermetatarsal angle (IMA), valgus angles of the second to fourth metatarsophalangeal joints, and hallux valgus recurrence. Assessments included visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores, American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores, and patient satisfaction over an average follow-up of 30.6 ± 21.2 (range, 12-99) months.

RESULTS

The mean preoperative HVA of 34.4 degrees decreased to 8.7 degrees at final follow-up. The valgus angles of the second, third, and fourth toes improved by 37.1%, 27%, and 44.5%, respectively. In metatarsus adductus patients, lesser toe valgus angles were significantly higher both preoperatively and at final follow-up. Hallux valgus recurrence patients had higher preoperative and final follow-up IMA and valgus angles in the second and third toes. Nonrecurrence patients showed greater decreases in these angles. A larger HVA correction corresponded to a greater decrease in lesser toe valgus deviation. VAS and AOFAS scores improved significantly at the last follow-up.

CONCLUSION

The study found a significant reduction in the valgus angle of the second, third, and fourth toes after PCMO and Akin osteotomy in moderate to severe hallux valgus cases, without additional surgeries on lesser toes. The lesser toe angular reductions were less pronounced in patients with metatarsus adductus or with hallux valgus recurrence.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, case series.

Ulcer occurrence on adjacent toes and hallux valgus deformity after amputation of the second toe in diabetic patients

BACKGROUND

Amputation of the second toe is associated with destabilization of the first toe. Possible consequences are hallux valgus deformity and subsequent pressure ulcers on the lateral side of the first or on the medial side of the third toe. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and possible influencing factors of interdigital ulcer development and hallux valgus deformity after second toe amputation.

METHODS

Twenty-four cases of amputation of the second toe between 2004 and 2020 (mean age 68 ± 12 years; 79% males) were included with a mean follow-up of 36 ± 15 months. Ulcer development on the first, third, or fourth toe after amputation, the body mass index (BMI) and the amputation level (toe exarticulation versus transmetatarsal amputation) were recorded. Pre- and postoperative foot radiographs were evaluated for the shape of the first metatarsal head (round, flat, chevron-type), the hallux valgus angle, the first-second intermetatarsal angle, the distal metatarsal articular angle and the hallux valgus interphalangeal angle by two orthopedic surgeons for interobserver reliability.

RESULTS

After amputation of the second toe, the interdigital ulcer rate on the adjacent toes was 50% and the postoperative hallux valgus rate was 71%. Neither the presence of hallux valgus deformity itself (r = .19, p = .37), nor the BMI (r = .09, p = .68), the shape of the first metatarsal head (r = - .09, p = .67), or the amputation level (r = .09, p = .69) was significantly correlated with ulcer development. The interobserver reliability of radiographic measurements was high, oscillating between 0.978 (p = .01) and 0.999 (p = .01).

CONCLUSIONS

The interdigital ulcer rate on the first or third toe after second toe amputation was 50% and hallux valgus development was high. To date, evidence on influencing factors is lacking and this study could not identify parameters such as the BMI, the shape of the first metatarsal head or the amputation level as risk factors for the development of either hallux valgus deformity or ulcer occurrence after second toe amputation.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

BASEC-Nr. 2019-01791.

Forefoot Function after Hallux Valgus Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on Plantar Load Measurement

While hallux valgus (HV) surgeries are useful for correcting skeletal alignment problems, their effects on plantar load, which reflects forefoot functions, are less understood. The objective of this study is to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on the plantar load change after HV surgeries. A systematic search of Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, CENTRAL, EMBASE, and CINAHL was performed. Studies that assessed the pre- and post-operative plantar pressure of HV patients undergoing surgeries and reported load-related parameters over the hallux, medial metatarsal, and/or central metatarsal regions were included. Studies were appraised by using the modified NIH quality assessment tool for before-after study. Studies suitable for meta-analysis were pooled with the random-effects model, using the standardized mean difference of the before-after parameters as an effect measure. Twenty-six studies containing 857 HV patients and 973 feet were included for the systematic review. Meta-analysis was conducted on 20 of them, and most studies did not favor HV surgeries. Overall, HV surgeries reduced the plantar load over the hallux region (SMD -0.71, 95% CI, -1.15 to -0.26), indicating that forefoot function worsened after surgeries. For the other five outcomes, the overall estimates were not statistically significant, indicating that surgeries did not improve them either. There was substantial heterogeneity among the studies, which in most cases could not be resolved by pre-planned subgroup analyses by surgical classification, year of publication, median age of patients, and length of follow-up. Sensitivity analysis removing lower-quality studies showed that the load integrals (impulse) over the central metatarsal region significantly increased (SMD 0.27, 95% CI, 0 to 0.53), indicating that surgeries increased the risk of transfer metatarsalgia. There is no solid evidence that HV surgeries could improve forefoot functions from a biomechanical point perspective. Currently available evidence even suggests that surgeries might reduce the plantar load over the hallux and adversely affect push-off function. The reasons behind and the effectiveness of alternative surgical methods warrant further investigation.

Footwear, foot orthoses and strengthening exercises for the non-surgical management of hallux valgus: protocol for a randomised pilot and feasibility trial

Background

Hallux valgus is a common and disabling condition. This randomised pilot and feasibility trial aims to determine the feasibility of conducting a fully-powered parallel group randomised trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a multifaceted non-surgical intervention for reducing pain associated with hallux valgus.

Methods

Twenty-eight community-dwelling women with painful hallux valgus will be randomised to receive either a multifaceted, non-surgical intervention (footwear, foot orthoses, foot exercises, advice, and self-management) or advice and self-management alone. Outcome measures will be obtained at baseline, 4, 8 and 12 weeks. The primary outcome is feasibility, which will be evaluated according to demand, acceptability, adherence, adverse events, and retention rate. Limited efficacy testing will be conducted on secondary outcome measures including foot pain (the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire), foot muscle strength (hand-held dynamometry), general health-related quality of life (the Short Form-12), use of cointerventions, and participants’ perception of overall treatment effect. Biomechanical testing will be conducted at baseline to evaluate the immediate effects of the footwear/orthotic intervention on pressure beneath the foot and on the medial aspect of the first metatarsophalangeal joint and hallux.

Discussion

This study will determine the feasibility of conducting a fully-powered randomised trial of footwear, foot orthoses, foot exercises, advice and self-management for relieving pain associated with hallux valgus and provide insights into potential mechanisms of effectiveness.

Trial registration

Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (ACTRN12621000645853).

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13047-022-00553-4.

Validity and Reliability of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Score for the English-Literate Singapore Population With Hallux Valgus

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to evaluate the reliability and validity of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Metatarsophalangeal-Interphalangeal (AOFAS MTP-IP) score in patients with hallux valgus in Singapore.

METHOD

A total of 121 English-literate patients with hallux valgus identified between October 2017 and May 2020 were analyzed. Reliability was assessed via Cronbach α. Construct validity was evaluated through 20 a priori hypotheses by correlating the AOFAS MTP-IP score for hallux and lesser toes with other patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Standardized response means (SRMs) were calculated to evaluate responsiveness at 6 months postoperative. Structural validity was evaluated via confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) whereby a good fit was indicated when comparative fit index (CFI) is >0.95, Tucker-Lewis index (TLI) is >0.95 and standardized root mean residual (SRMR) is <0.08.

RESULTS

The AOFAS MTP-IP score demonstrated reliability with a Cronbach α of 0.837. Convergent construct validity was confirmed when all a priori hypotheses were fulfilled. Structural validity was established with our AOFAS MTP-IP score model that displayed good fit for a 1-factor structure (CFI = 0.988, TLI = 0.960, SRMR = 0.034). Responsiveness of the AOFAS MTP-IP score for hallux was demonstrated by an SRM score of 1.28.

CONCLUSION

The AOFAS MTP-IP score displayed adequate reliability and validity among English-literate patients in Singapore with an operatively managed hallux valgus.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III: Retrospective cohort study.

Pathoanatomy of the Jones Fracture in Male University Soccer Players

BACKGROUND

Jones fractures are relatively common in soccer players and require an extended recovery period because this type of fracture has a high incidence of delayed union, nonunion, and refracture. There has been some previous research on risk factors for Jones fracture, but no study has yet investigated the effect of the length of the fifth metatarsal bone and the positional relationship of the articular surface of the fifth metatarsal bones and the tarsal bones. Clarification of the characteristics of the foot structure that predispose soccer players to Jones fracture may aid in the prevention of this injury.

PURPOSE

To investigate the association between Jones fracture and foot structure as assessed with a mapping system on weightbearing dorsoplantar and lateral foot radiographs.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

We used a mapping system to evaluate the radiographs of 60 feet from 30 university soccer players with Jones fractures and a control group of 60 feet from 60 male university soccer players without Jones fracture. The groups were compared regarding the length of the fifth metatarsal and the positions of the metatarsal and tarsal bones.

RESULTS

Analysis of weightbearing dorsoplantar foot radiographs showed that the fifth metatarsal was significantly longer and that its proximal tip was positioned more proximally in the Jones fracture group as compared with the control group. Analysis of weightbearing lateral foot radiographs showed that the reference points for the medial arch were significantly higher in the Jones fracture group than in the control group.

CONCLUSION

This study indicated that the proximally longer fifth metatarsal may cause greater stress at the base of the fifth metatarsal bone because the lever arm becomes long. In addition, high medial longitudinal arch may contribute to increased load on the lateral side of the foot. Thus, these anatomic features may be useful to identify soccer players at high risk of Jones fracture at medical checkup.

Relationship Between Demographic and Radiographic Characteristics and Second Ray Pathology in Hallux Valgus Patients

BACKGROUND

Hallux valgus can alter load bearing in the foot leading to abnormal forces on the second toe. The purpose of this study was to determine demographic and radiographic factors associated with second ray hammertoes in hallux valgus using 3-dimensional weightbearing CT scans.

METHODS

Seventy-one patients who underwent a modified Lapidus procedure for hallux valgus with preoperative weightbearing CT scans were separated into 2 groups: (1) hallux valgus only (47 feet) and (2) hallux valgus with second ray hammertoe (29 feet). Preoperative age, body mass index (BMI), sex, hallux valgus angle (HVA), intermetatarsal angle (IMA), absolute and effective metatarsal (MT) lengths, ratios between metatarsal lengths, Meary angle, metatarsus adductus angle (MAA), and pronation were measured. Mean values of continuous variables were compared and both simple and multivariable logistic regression models were used to evaluate associations between variables and hammertoe occurrence.

RESULTS

Patients in the hammertoe group were found to be significantly older and have higher BMIs, HVAs, effective second MT lengths, IMAs, and more apex plantar Meary angles (all P < .05). The multivariable analysis demonstrated that a higher IMA and a more apex plantar Meary angle were the only significant predictors of second ray hammertoe risk (P = .03 and P = .01, respectively) once corrected for age and BMI.

CONCLUSION

Significant associations were found between older age, higher BMI, and more severe deformity and the occurrence of hammertoe in hallux valgus patients. These results may help clinicians counsel hallux valgus patients about the risk of developing an advanced hammertoe deformity.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective comparative series.

Effects of Single-Foot Centered and Double-Foot Centered X-ray Projection on Hallux Valgus Measurement

Objective

To investigate whether use of single‐foot centered and double‐foot centered weight‐bearing X‐rays has an impact on the relevant indicators of hallux valgus.

Methods

A total of 55 female patients from the Department of Ankle Surgery of Beijing Tongren Hospital with hallux valgus (110 feet) were collected from September to December 2015. The age of these patients ranged from 18 to 43 years, with an average age of 47.9 ± 8.5 years. All selected patients fit the diagnostic criteria of hallux valgus and had weight‐bearing single foot centered and double foot centered radiographs taken. During the projection, all patients were instructed to stand on the X‐ray box, with the knee joint straightened and legs perpendicular to the floor. The projection center of the single foot was directed at the lateral part of the scaphoid bone of the foot, while the projection center was directed at the position between the scaphoid bones of both feet for the double‐foot shooting. The hallux valgus angle (HAV), the intermetatarsal angle between the first and second metatarsals (IMA), the intermetatarsal angle between the first and fifth metatarsals (IM1‐5), and the metatarsal adduction angle (MAA) were measured and examined. The difference between these two shooting conditions was compared and analyzed.

Results

The differences in X‐ray measurement results (IMA, HAV, IM1‐5, and MMA) between different measures for the same patient were not statistically significant. The values of HAV, IMA, IM1‐5, and MAA are common indexes for evaluating hallux valgus. The average IMA was 15.9° for single‐foot centered and 14.1° for double‐foot centered X‐rays. The average HAV was 30.2° for single‐foot centered and 29.7° for double‐foot centered X‐rays. The average IM1‐5 was 31.1° for single‐foot centered and 29.7° for double‐foot centered X‐rays. The average of metatarsal adduction angle was 13.8° for single‐foot centered and 14.1° for double‐foot centered X‐rays. The differences between single‐foot centered and double‐foot centered X‐rays were statistically significant in terms of the measurement index (P < 0.05). In addition, compared with double‐foot centered weight‐bearing X‐rays, the focus of single‐foot centered X‐rays was located on the lateral part of the scaphoid bone of the foot, and the ray was closer to the vertical foot in the single‐foot centered weight‐bearing X‐ray.

Conclusion

When the weight‐bearing position and projection distance are the same, the single‐foot centered weight‐bearing X‐ray is more effective in evaluating the severity of hallux valgus compared with the double‐foot centered weight‐bearing X‐ray.

Is metatarsus primus elevatus truly observed in hallux rigidus? Radiographic study using mapping methods

BACKGROUND

Hallux rigidus and metatarsus primus elevatus (MPE) are associated, but their causal relationship remains unknown. Several surgical approaches for treating hallux rigidus are available. We evaluated morphological characteristics of hallux rigidus with different grades to determine the optimal surgical approach. The amount of degenerative change in the metatarsophalangeal joint on the preoperative roentgenograms was graded on a scale of 1-3. We analyzed the morphology of hallux rigidus using X-ray image mapping developed by our team.

METHODS

This study involved weight-bearing, dorsoplantar, and lateral foot X-rays of 36 feet from 26 patients underwent surgery for hallux rigidus (Group R) at our institution, and 26 normal feet (Group N). A two-dimensional coordinate system was used to analyze the sharps of these feet by converting each dot on the radiographs into X and Y coordinates. Diagrams of the feet from each group were drawn for comparison. Feet with grades 2 (Group R2) and 3 (Group R3) hallux rigidus and normal feet were compared by Kruskal-Wallis test.

RESULTS

Mapping revealed that the tip of distal phalanges of the second, and third toes in Group R medially shifted (P < 0.05) in dorsoplantar image of the feet, and that the medial point, a part of the talus, navicular, cuneiform, and first metatarsal bone in Group R, shifted lower (P < 0.05) in lateral feet images of the feet. Multiple comparisons revealed a significant navicular bone depression in grade 3 hallux rigidus compared with normal feet. A significant difference was observed between Group N and R3 but not between Group R2 and N or R3.

CONCLUSIONS

X-ray morphological analysis of the foot revealed MPE in Group R. Elevation gradually increased as hallux rigidus grade worsened. Therefore, osteotomy combined with cheilectomy, whereby the first metatarsal bone can be tilted toward the plantar side, are useful for treating a higher-grade hallux rigidus.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, comparative study.

Radiographic Shape of Foot With Second Metatarsophalangeal Joint Dislocation Associated With Hallux Valgus

BACKGROUND

Second metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint dislocation is associated with hallux valgus, and the treatment of complete dislocation can be difficult. The purpose of this study was to radiographically clarify the characteristic foot shape in the presence of second MTP joint dislocation.

METHODS

Weight-bearing foot radiographs of the 268 patients (358 feet) with hallux valgus were examined. They were divided into 2 groups: those with second MTP joint dislocation (study group = 179 feet) and those without dislocation (control group = 179 feet). Parameters measured included the hallux valgus angle (HVA), first-second intermetatarsal angle (IMA), second MTP joint angle, hallux interphalangeal angle (IPA), second metatarsal protrusion distance (MPD), metatarsus adductus angle (MAA), and the second metatarsal declination angle (2MDA). Furthermore, the dislocation group was divided into 3 subgroups according to second toe deviation direction: group M (medial type), group N (neutral type), and group L (lateral type).

RESULTS

The IPA and the 2MDA were significantly greater in the study group than in the control group. By multiple comparison analysis, the IMA was greatest in group M and smallest in group L. The IPA was smaller and 2MDA greater in group N than in group L. The HVA and MAA in group L were greatest, and MPD in group L was smallest.

CONCLUSIONS

The patients with second MTP joint dislocation associated with hallux valgus had greater hallux interphalangeal joint varus and a second metatarsal more inclined than with hallux valgus alone. The second toe deviated in a different direction according to the foot shape.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Impact of Hallux Valgus related of quality of life in Women

The purpose of this study is to analyse and compare the impact of hallux valgus (HV) in a sample of adult women with varying degrees of HV scores obtained with regard to foot health and health in general. A total 100 female patients of mean age 43·04 ± 16·84 years who attended a podiatric clinic were asked to answer a questionnaire. The degree of deformity, HV, was determined on both feet of the patients using the Manchester Scale tool and the scores from the Foot Health Status Questionnaire were compared. Participants with varying degrees of HV recorded lower scores in Section 1 for the footwear and general foot health and higher scores for foot pain and foot function. In Section 2, they obtained lower scores in physical activity and social capacity and higher scores in vigour and general health. Differences between the four groups were evaluated by means of a t-test for independent samples, showing statistical significance (P < 0·001). This study has detected measurable differences of association between varying degrees of HV with impaired quality of life related to foot health in women.

[Amputation and exarticulation of the lesser toes]

OBJECTIVE

Amputations and exarticulations of the toes may be necessary due to several reasons. The goal is to remove necrosis or infection prior to its spread to the midfoot region. From a functional or cosmetic point of view, amputation/exarticulation of a single toe plays no major role. However, this can be different with exarticulation of several toes.

INDICATIONS

Necrosis, trauma, infection, tumor, deformity.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Conditions where amputation/exarticulation of a toe is insufficient, e. g., in progressing peripheral arterial disease.

SURGICAL TECHNIQUE

The toe can either be amputated through the distal phalanx or exarticulated in the metatarsophalangeal joint.

POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT

Orthopedic shoes or orthotic devices are rarely necessary when a single toe is amputated/exarticulated. However, concomitant deformities of the foot have to be thoroughly addressed. If more than one toe is amputated, silicone spacers may be necessary to prevent the remaining toes from deviating.

RESULTS

Amputations and exarticulations of the toes are frequent and the procedure is technically simple. However, the complication rate is high due to typical indications making amputation necessary.

Radiographic Morphologic Characteristics of Bunionette Deformity

BACKGROUND

Bunionette deformity is characterized as head hypertrophy, lateral bowing, or splaying of the fifth metatarsal, or a combination of these deformities. Most previous studies have focused on the fourth and fifth metatarsals; few have analyzed the radiographic morphologic characteristics of the entire foot. The morphologic characteristics of the entire foot in cases of symptomatic bunionette deformity were analyzed with a radiographic image-mapping system.

METHODS

The system was used for the morphologic analysis of 112 feet with symptomatic deformity and 123 asymptomatic control feet. The mapping system includes 2-dimensional coordinates. We compared morphologies of both groups on the basis of simple models prepared from x and y coordinates of each reference point, calculated by using the mapping system and various angle measurements. We set cutoff values and categorized cases according to Fallat's system. We evaluated the characteristics of each type and a new deformity type (type V) wherein no measurement exceeded the cutoff values.

RESULTS

The heads of the third, fourth, and fifth metatarsals were more laterally displaced, and the angles between the metatarsal axes were larger in the deformity group. Comparison of deformity types showed that the morphology of the fifth metatarsal might be only one cause of deformity. The intermetatarsal angles between the second and third metatarsals and between the third and fourth metatarsals were larger in deformity type II and type V feet than in control feet. Additionally, the intermetatarsal angles between the third and fourth metatarsals and between the fourth and fifth metatarsals were larger in deformity type III and type IV feet than in control feet.

CONCLUSION

We believe it is necessary to not only focus on the fourth and fifth metatarsals, but also assess the morphologic characteristics of the entire foot in patients with a bunionette, including splaying of all the metatarsals and the forefoot width, when planning surgery.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective comparative study.