The impact of hindfoot deformities for the recurrence of hallux valgus after joint-preserving surgeries for rheumatoid forefoot deformities.

BACKGROUND

Recurrence of hallux valgus (HV) is a common complication after forefoot surgery for rheumatoid forefoot deformities. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of hindfoot malalignment on recurrence.

METHODS

This was a retrospective observational study designed to analyze the radiographic outcomes of 87 feet in 64 patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with a joint-preserving surgery for HV deformity. Differences in hindfoot alignment preoperatively between the recurrence and nonrecurrence groups was compared.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in hindfoot alignment preoperatively between groups. To estimate the impact of technical problems, the HV and intermetatarsal angles measured from radiographs 3 months postoperatively were compared between groups. The HV angles in the recurrence group were significantly larger than those in the nonrecurrence group (p=0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

There were no significant differences between preoperative hindfoot malalignment and postoperative recurrence of HV in rheumatoid forefoot surgeries.