Outcome of unilateral versus simultaneous correction for hallux valgus

Hallux valgus surgery has been performed on only one side, even though patients may have bilateral hallux valgus. This study evaluated the results of simultaneous surgical correction for bilateral hallux valgus compared with unilateral correction.

A retrospective review of 52 patients (69 feet) that underwent proximal metatarsal chevron osteotomy and distal soft tissue procedure for moderate to severe hallux valgus was conducted. Minimum followup was at least 12 months. Patients were divided into two groups, simultaneous bilateral surgical group (Group A) and a unilateral surgical group (Group B). Group A comprised 34 feet in 17 women and Group B comprised 35 feet in 35 women.

Average AOFAS scores were 57.0 points in group A and 52.8 points in group B preoperatively and at the last follow-up improved to 93.4 points and 92.2 points, respectively. Very satisfied or satisfied levels of patient satisfaction were 94.1% in Group A and 91.4% in Group B. Average hallux valgus angles in Groups A and B changed from 34.8 degrees and 37.9 degrees preoperatively to 12.5 degrees and 12.4 degrees postoperatively, respectively. Intermetatarsal 1-2 angles in Groups A and B changed from an average of 15.7 degrees and 18.4 degrees preoperatively to 7.4 degrees and 7.1 degrees postoperatively, respectively. No significant inter-group differences were observed in clinical and radiographic outcomes.

Based on our results, the results of simultaneous bilateral correction for hallux valgus deformity was not worse than a unilateral correction. We advocate simultaneous correction for bilateral hallux valgus requiring surgical correction.