Association of Visual Appearance on Outcomes After Hallux Valgus Surgery.

BACKGROUND

In this study, our aim was to determine the effect of cosmetic improvement on patient satisfaction and functional scores in hallux valgus (HV) surgery.

METHODS

Preoperative foot photographs of 105 patients who had undergone chevron osteotomy for HV between 2016 and 2018 were taken. The patients were divided into 2 groups. Twenty-four months after surgery, the preoperative foot photographs were shown to patients in group 1 (n = 52) but not to patients in group 2 (n = 53). The groups were then compared using the visual analog scale (VAS), the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society Hallux Metatarsophalangeal-Interphalangeal (AOFAS Hallux MTP-IP), and the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) scores. Both groups were evaluated radiologically with preoperative and postoperative hallux valgus angles and intermetatarsal angles.

RESULTS

There was no difference between the 2 groups in terms of radiologic parameters either pre- or postoperatively, or AOFAS Hallux MTP-IP scores postoperatively. However, for group 1, the VAS was lower (0.4±0.8 vs 1.8±1.6, = .003) and both the SF-36 physical functioning (88.3±18.1 vs 79.1±23.2, = .017) and SF-36 mental health scores were higher (78.8±19 vs 69.2±16.3, = .022).

CONCLUSION

Visualizing improvement in the cosmetic appearance of the foot appears associated with patients' perception of subjective pain and functional improvement. We recommend that preoperative foot photographs be taken and recorded.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, case-control study.