Abstract
Twenty-four patients with 26 symptomatic recurrences of deformity after previous hallux valgus procedures were included in this study. Exclusion criteria were hallux metatarsophalangeal joint fusion, Keller/Mayo procedures, insulin-dependent diabetes, previous ankle or subtalar fusions, peripheral vascular disease or peripheral neuropathy. An AAOS Foot and Ankle Outcomes Data Collection questionnaire, a Visual Analogue Pain Scale (VAPS), and the AOFAS Hallux Metatarsopha-langeal Interphalangeal Scale (HMIS) were administered preoperatively, at six months and then annually. Weight-bearing radiographs were taken preoperatively, at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months. The mean follow-up was 21.6 months (6 to 36).
At final follow-up, the mean HMIS scores increased from 47.5 to 87.8 and the mean VAPS improved from 6.2 to 1.3. The mean hallux valgus angle improved from 37° to 14° and the mean intermetatarsal angle improved from 18° to 7°. In 77%, patients were very satisfied, in 4% satisfied, and in 19% somewhat satisfied.There were no cases of hallux varus. Complications included three nonunions, all of which occurred in smokers, and two superficial wound infections.
In appropriately selected patients, the Lapidus procedure is a reliable and effective alternative for failed hallux valgus surgery.
The abstracts were prepared by Professor M. B. E. Sweet. Correspondence should be addressed to him at PO Box 47363, Parklands, Johannesburg 2121, South Africa.
