Patient-reported outcome after hallux valgus surgery — a two year follow up

Background: Patients with hallux valgus deformity may require surgery but prospective patient-reported data is scarce. Methods: We evaluated 53 patients with a mean age of 55.3 years (SD 14.1, 50 women), who underwent surgery due to hallux valgus. They completed the PROMs SEFAS, EQ-5D and SF-36 before and 6, 12 and 24 months after surgery. Results: All patient-reported outcomes improved at 6, 12 and 24 months compared with the preoperative status. The greatest improvement occurred at 6 months: SEFAS Δ 10.0 (95% confidence interval 7.8–12.2), EQ-5D Δ 0.22 (0.15–0.29), EQ-VAS Δ 8.4 (4.4–12.4), PF SF-36 Δ 22.0 (14.6–29.3) and BP SF-36 Δ 30.6 (23.1–38.1). Conclusions: Hallux valgus surgery considerably reduced pain and improved function already within 6 months after surgery. The improvement between 6 and 24 months’ follow-up was minimal measured with PROMs. Level of clinical evidence: III — prospective observational cohort study.