Randomised control trial on the optimal duration of non-weight-bearing walking after hallux valgus surgery

Hallux valgus surgery is one of the most commonly performed operations in Orthopaedics. Multiple surgical techniques have been described including arthrodesis, osteotomies and soft tissue procedures. The endoscopic-assisted distal soft tissue procedure is one of the minimally invasive surgical options with a good long-term outcome. The rehabilitation protocol for this soft tissue procedure consists of 6-weeks of non-weight bearing walking. This prolonged period of non-weight-bearing walking may ensure a good stabilization of the alignment but is difficult for the patient from a social-economical perspective. In addition, earlier mobilisation has other theoretical advantages including less atrophy and better range of motion. The objective of this trial is to investigate the effect of an earlier weight-bearing regime at 2-weeks post-surgery.

Randomised control trial of patients undergoing the endoscopic-assisted distal soft tissue procedure. Allocation and randomization of subjects were performed immediately after completion of surgery to avoid intra-operative biases. The control group underwent the usual protocol of 6-weeks of non-weight-bearing walking while the intervention group underwent 2-weeks of post-operative non-weight-bearing walking. Foot function was measured using the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) at the baseline, 12-week post-surgery and 26-weeks post-surgery. The hallux valgus angle, 1,2 inter-metatarsal angle and tibial sesamoid position were also measured during those time-points.

A total of 51 participants completed the study, 29 in the control group and 22 in the early weight-bearing group. 1 patient form the early weight-bearing group was complicated with hallux varus requiring revision surgery. All the patients had significantly improved radiological angles and foot function in both the control and early weight-bearing group. At the 12-week time point, the radiological angles were the same for both groups but foot function was significantly better in the early weightbearing group.

Early postoperative weight-bearing did not lead to pre-mature implant failures or increased recurrence rates. It actually resulted in fewer symptoms like stiffness, lessened pain, better performance in daily activities and a better quality of life.

Early weight-bearing walking at 2-week after distal soft tissue reconstruction of hallux valgus is not only safe, it may help accelerate the rehabilitation process and allow patients to return their usual life faster.The translational potential of this article: Being a clinical trial, our results are directly translatable to hallux valgus patients. The results of this study show that a shortened non-weight bearing duration after hallux valgus surgery improves foot function at 12 weeks while not affecting recurrence risks.