Functional Recovery and Return to Duty Following Minimally Invasive Surgery for Hallux Valgus: A Retrospective Review...

Hallux valgus can severely limit physical function in demanding professions like military service. Traditional open surgeries have shown limited success in achieving rapid recovery and full functional return. The primary objective of this study was to assess functional outcomes of active-duty service members who have undergone minimally invasive bunion surgery.

Eighteen active-duty service members with mild to moderate hallux valgus deformities who underwent minimally invasive bunion correction between 2020 and 2022 were retrospectively reviewed.

Minimally invasive bunion surgery demonstrated significant improvements in self-reported outcomes of the Foot and Ankle Outcome Scores from pre- to post-procedure (total score: 57.0 vs 95.0 respectively, P > .001) including all subscales of symptoms, pain, activities of daily living, sports and quality of life. Additionally, radiographic analyses revealed marked corrections pre- to post-procedure in intermetatarsal angle (12.0 vs 7.5 degrees, P < .001), hallux valgus angle (25.5 vs 12.0 degrees, P < .001), and tibial sesamoid position (5.0 vs 2.0 degrees, P < .001), with 12 of 13 patients achieving full bone consolidation by their 6-month follow-up. Complications were minimal, with only 1 case requiring further intervention. Approximately half of the patients (8/18) did not require any limited duty, and 13 of 18 remained on active duty at final follow-up (median of 13 months).

These findings underscore the potential of minimally invasive surgery in high-impact populations, although further research with larger cohorts is recommended to confirm long-term outcomes and functional durability in high-stress settings.

Level III, retrospective comparative study.