Various clinical outcome studies have consistently reported high dissatisfaction rate (25–33%) among the patients after hallux valgus surgery. We believe that a patient’s pre-operative expectations may play a major role in post-operative satisfaction.
Questionnaires were sent to 104 patients anonymously who were given a list of reasons and asked which they hoped to improve by having the surgery. They were also asked to list, in the order of priority, goals that they hoped to achieve from surgery.
Overall, improvement in the ability to walk was the most important reason. Most patients also wished to reduce pain over bunion and to regain the ability to wear daily shoes. However, the expectations of patients vary significantly according to age. Patients under 40 placed more importance on their ability to wear dress shoes and improvement in functional activities. Patients between the age of 40 and 60 were more interested to improve physical appearance. Pain on other toes, and the abilities to squat and climb stairs are the main concerns for patients above 60. For the male patients, to be able to continue work is the second most important reason after improvement in walking ability. This is in contrast to the female group where the ability to wear shoes of their choice is more important. Occupation did not make any significant difference.
This study shows that patients have different expectations that can influence the choice of operation. We believe that understanding patients preoperative expectation is crucial in achieving better patient satisfaction, and it should be an important consideration in planning appropriate operation for the patients.
