Hallux Valgus

Question 1

what is hallux valgus

Answer 1

deformity of the great toe due to medial deviation of the first metatarsal and lateral deviation of the toe itself

Question 2

is this more common in females or males

Answer 2

females (4:1)

Question 3

does the incidence increase or decrease with age

Answer 3

increase

Question 4

although the aetiology is unclear what is a suggested causative factor

Answer 4

footwear (incidence lower in areas that don’t wear shoes)

Question 5

what conditions are commonly associated with hallux valgus

Answer 5

RA, inflammatory arthropathies, some neuromuscular diseases (MS, cerebral palsy)

Question 6

what causes the condition to be painful

Answer 6

• joint incongruence and a widened forefoot can cause rubbing in shoes which results in an inflamed bursa over the medial 1st metatarsal head known as a bunion
• the big and second toe can rub causing ulceration

Question 7

what are some conservative treatments

Answer 7

wider shoes, spacer in first web

Question 8

what does surgical management involve

Answer 8

osteotomies to realign bones and soft tissues procedures to tighten slack tissues and release tight tissues

Question 9

what are some side effects of surgery

Answer 9

altered biomechanics of the foot and pain in metatarsal heads