The Inaugural United Kingdom National Hallux Valgus Think Tank: Identification of Key Issues and Strategies to Improve Clinical Care for Patient Benefit

T Lewis, A See, L Houchen-Wolloff, J Mangwani, ORUK Hallux Valgus Think Tank Collaborative

Background: Hallux valgus (HV) or bunion is a common forefoot deformity impacting pain, function, quality of life, and mobility, with higher prevalence in women and increasing incidence with age. The high prevalence and rates of surgical treatment potentially have a major impact on the healthcare system. The aim of this stakeholder consultation was to identify current issues with provision of HV treatment and identify achievable goals to improve understanding of HV to guide future assessment, treatment pathways, and research directions in order to improve clinical outcomes for patients.

Methods: Scoping searches were undertaken to inform and identify relevant outcome sets and existing evidence relating to HV. A one-day think tank conference was held on June 21, 2024, involving stakeholders from various sectors including patients, primary/secondary care professionals, researchers, and representatives of national societies. Key themes and issues related to HV were identified and used to develop structured action development plans.

Results: Major issues identified include the absence of national policy recommendations, variability in treatment pathways, and gaps in research and patient education. Patient experiences highlighted the significant impact on quality of life and need for standardised information and care pathways. Key priorities for research include developing a core outcome set and understanding the patient’s lived experience, while policy priorities focus on creating national guidelines and raising awareness of the condition’s socio-economic and functional impacts.

Conclusion: The inaugural UK National Hallux Valgus Think Tank identified critical issues in the management of HV and developed strategies to improve clinical outcomes through research and policy development. Establishing a working group and prioritising both research and policy initiatives will be essential to advancing the understanding and treatment of HV.