Inter‐segmental foot kinematics during gait in elderly females according to the severity of hallux valgus

Abstract

The objective of this study was to find the effect of hallux valgus (HV) deformity on the inter‐segmental motion of the foot using an MFM with a 15‐marker set (DuPont Foot Model, DuFM) in comparison with age and gender controlled healthy adults. Fifty‐eight female symptomatic HV patients and 50 female asymptomatic older female volunteers were included in this study. According to the radiographic hallux valgus angle (HVA), the study population was divided into Severe HV (SHV, HVA ≥ 40°, n=25), Moderate HV (MHV, 20°≤ HVA < 40°, n=47), and Control (CON, n=36). MHV group was divided into symptomatic MHV group (S‐MHV, n=33) and asymptomatic MHV group (A‐MHV, n=14) according to the symptoms associated with hallux valgus. For temporal parameters, gait speed and stride length were diminished according to the severity of hallux valgus deformity. Sagittal ROM of hallux and hindfoot decreased significantly in severe hallux valgus group. Loss of push‐off during the pre‐swing phase was observed and forefoot adduction motion during terminal stance was decreased in severe hallux valgus group. In a subgroup analysis of moderate hallux valgus, asymptomatic hallux valgus minimally affects gait & inter‐segmental motion during gait. Hallux valgus deformity affects gait parameters & inter‐segmental motion of the foot during gait in proportion to the severity of the deformity. However, the effect of moderate HV itself on foot kinematics might be limited while pain or arthritic change of the joint might cause changes in gait in patients with symptomatic HV.