Patient expectations of hallux valgus surgery

N. Kelly1

Background: There is a paucity of research regarding patient expectations of corrective hallux valgus surgery. The assumption is that improved cosmesis is one of the main reasons why patients undergo surgery, however, there is no substantive evidence to support this. The hypothesis therefore, is that cosmetic improvement is the main factor that motivates patients into wanting surgery.

Method: Thirty female patients took part in a semi-structured interview. They filled in a questionnaire rating factors on a scale of 1-10 on how important each factor was. Secondly, they were encouraged to discuss their bunion and post-operative expectations.

Results: The most important pre-operative expectation was reducing pain at the site of deformity (median score of 10). Improving the appearance of the toe (median score of 7.5) and achieving a narrower foot overall (median score of 6.5) were rated lower down the scale.

Conclusion: Inevitably, appearance of a bunion and prospect of narrower feet is a natural desire amongst patients when it comes to opting for hallux valgus surgery, however, the overwhelming reason for surgery is pain caused by the bunion which in turn leads to inability to find suitable footwear and be able to walk in comfort. Cosmetic improvement was not demonstrated to be a main factor influencing patients’ decisions to want corrective surgery.