The impact of hindfoot deformities for the recurrence of hallux valgus after joint-preserving surgeries for rheumatoid forefoot deformities.

Background: Recurrence of hallux valgus (HV) is a common complication after forefoot surgery for rheumatoid forefoot deformities. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of hindfoot malalignment on recurrence.

Methods: This was a retrospective observational study designed to analyze the radiographic outcomes of 87 feet in 64 patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with a joint-preserving surgery for HV deformity. Differences in hindfoot alignment preoperatively between the recurrence and nonrecurrence groups was compared.

Results: There were no significant differences in hindfoot alignment preoperatively between groups. To estimate the impact of technical problems, the HV and intermetatarsal angles measured from radiographs 3 months postoperatively were compared between groups. The HV angles in the recurrence group were significantly larger than those in the nonrecurrence group (p=0.02).

Conclusions: There were no significant differences between preoperative hindfoot malalignment and postoperative recurrence of HV in rheumatoid forefoot surgeries.