Do We Need to Approach the Elderly Hallux Valgus Differently?

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Geriatric Medicine
• Podiatry

Background:

• Historically, hallux valgus correction was considered inadvisable for elderly patients, with 'elderly' often defined as 50 years of age.
• The health status of individuals aged 50 in the 1990s is not comparable to that of individuals of the same age in 2023.
• There is a growing trend of patients in their late 70s and 80s seeking surgical correction for hallux valgus deformity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To re-evaluate the advisability of hallux valgus correction in older adult populations.
• To address the evolving health profiles of individuals and their impact on surgical candidacy.
• To acknowledge and respond to the increasing patient demand for hallux valgus correction among octogenarians.

Main Methods:

• Review of historical surgical guidelines for hallux valgus.
• Comparison of health metrics for 50-year-olds across different decades (1990s vs. 2023).
• Analysis of current patient demographics and expressed desires for hallux valgus surgery, particularly in older age groups.

Main Results:

• The definition of 'elderly' in the context of surgical recommendations for hallux valgus needs re-evaluation.
• Contemporary 50-year-olds possess significantly different health characteristics compared to their 1990s counterparts.
• A notable increase in the desire for hallux valgus correction among patients approaching 80 years of age has been observed.

Conclusions:

• Outdated contraindications for hallux valgus surgery based solely on age (e.g., 50 years) require revision.
• Improved health and longevity in the modern era support reconsidering surgical options for older patients.
• Patient-centered care necessitates addressing the expressed wishes of elderly individuals for hallux valgus deformity correction.