Hallux Valgus: Prevalence and Treatment Options

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Podiatry
• Public Health

Background:

• Hallux valgus is a prevalent foot deformity with evolving surgical management.
• Understanding its administrative prevalence and treatment patterns is crucial for healthcare planning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the administrative prevalence of hallux valgus in Germany.
• To analyze current treatment strategies, including surgical interventions and their outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Data analysis of administrative prevalence from a German statutory health insurance carrier (BARMER).
• Narrative overview of hallux valgus classification and treatment, including a meta-analysis.

Main Results:

• Nearly 2% administrative prevalence in Germany, with 83% of cases in women.
• Surgical interventions showed comparable bony deformity correction and an average AOFAS score improvement of 33.8 points.
• Overall complication rate was 18.5%, with common issues including metatarsalgia and recurrent deformity.

Conclusions:

• Conservative treatment should be the primary approach for hallux valgus.
• Surgical techniques effectively correct deformity and improve AOFAS scores, particularly in severe cases.
• Despite comparable efficacy, surgical complications necessitate careful patient selection and management.