Orthoses Effect on Radiographic Measurements of Hallux Abducto Valgus: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND

Hallux abducto valgus (HAV), commonly referred to as a bunion, is a prevalent foot deformity with multifactorial etiology, including genetic predisposition, biomechanical abnormalities, and footwear choices. HAV is often managed conservatively with orthotic devices aimed at reducing deformity progression and alleviating associated pain. However, the effectiveness of orthotics in altering radiographic measurements of HAV remains debated. This systematic review aims to evaluate the impact of orthotic interventions on radiographic parameters.

METHODS

A comprehensive search of five electronic databases-PubMed, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Medline, and EMBASE-was conducted, covering the period from inception to March 2021. The search included terms related to HAV and orthotic interventions. Studies were included if they provided pre- and post-treatment radiographic measurements of halux abductus angle (HAA), hallux valgus angle (HVA), or intermetatarsal angle (IMA) and involved the use of orthotics. A total of 523 references were initially identified, with five studies meeting the inclusion criteria for review. Data extraction focused on study characteristics, orthotic type, radiographic measurements, and follow-up duration.

RESULTS

The systematic review found insufficient high-quality evidence to support the effectiveness of orthotics in slowing the progression of HAV deformity. Of the five studies included, results were mixed: two studies reported changes in radiographic measurements following orthotic use, though one of these involved toe spacers rather than traditional orthotics. The remaining studies found no significant impact of orthotics on HAA, HVA, or IMA. The heterogeneity in study design, population, and orthotic types limited the ability to draw robust conclusions.

CONCLUSIONS

Current evidence does not conclusively support the use of orthotics for altering the radiographic progression of HAV. The reviewed studies highlight significant variability in outcomes and suggest that while orthotics may provide symptomatic relief, their role in deformity correction remains unclear. Whether and to what extent orthotics affect common radiographic measures of HAV deformity should be proven with further studies and investigation.