Clinical biomechanics
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Clinical biomechanics · Apr 1997
Analysis of plantar loading parameters pre and post surgical intervention for hallux vargus.
INTRODUCTION:: The purpose of the study was to compare range of motion (ROM) and plantar loading parameters pre and post surgical intervention for hallux valgus (HV). Fifteen female patients volunteered for the study, providing 27 feet with a diagnosis of moderate or severe HV deformity (greater than 26 degrees HV angle). All participants were screened by the same orthopaedic surgeon to ensure that no other foot deformities or neuromuscular diseases were present that would alter lower extremity biomechanics. ⋯ Dorsiflexion ROM for the MP joint were decreased post surgically but were still adequate for gait (Hetherington et al., 1990). Loading variables indicated that, post surgically, the foot was loaded more laterally with less load on the hallux. Further research is needed to assess if the lateral loading pattern continues long term after Chevron-Aikin Osteotomy surgical correction for HV.