Can radiology reflect patient satisfaction after hallux valgus surgery?

This study aims to define the first web space length (FWSL) as a new radiologic parameter, which may reflect patients' subjective satisfaction and be associated with American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score as an objective parameter.

One hundred and fourteen patients (11 males, 103 females; mean age 43.4±13.2 years; range, 18 to 70 years) who underwent distal osteotomy between April 2010 and January 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were radiographically evaluated with pre- and postoperative standing foot anteroposterior and lateral X-rays. Hallux valgus angles (HVAs), intermetatarsal angle (IMA), and FWSL were measured. AOFAS scores were used for clinical evaluation. Satisfaction scores were obtained using a visual analog scale at the final follow-up.

The relationship between postoperative AOFAS score changes and postoperative HVA changes was statistically significant (p=0.001, p<0.1). The relationship between postoperative AOFAS values and postoperative FWSL changes was statistically significant (p<0.001, p<0.1). No statistically significant relationship was detected between postoperative AOFAS values and IMA changes (p=0.101, p>0.05). The relationship between AOFAS scores and satisfaction scale was statistically significant (r=0.695; p<0.001, p<0.01). The relationship between the satisfaction scale and FWSL was statistically significant (p=0.005, p<0.01).

The FWSL has an influence on patient satisfaction. It is correlated both with AOFAS scores and satisfaction scale. It can be used as a measurable parameter to detect patient satisfaction.