Hallux Valgus

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Hallux Valgus: Intro - Bunion Blueprint

  • Definition: Lateral deviation of hallux (great toe) & medial deviation of 1st metatarsal. "Bunion" = medial prominence over 1st MTPJ.
  • Etiology Snippets: Multifactorial; tight/pointed footwear, genetics, pes planus, female sex often implicated.
  • Key Angles (Deformity Markers):
    • Hallux Valgus Angle (HVA): Normal < 15°. (Angle: 1st metatarsal & proximal phalanx)
    • Intermetatarsal Angle (IMA): Normal < . (Angle: 1st & 2nd metatarsals)
  • Core Anatomy Involved:
    • 1st Metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint: Site of deformity.
    • Sesamoids (tibial & fibular): Displace laterally with deformity.
    • Medial capsule & collateral ligament: Attenuated/stretched.
  • Pathoanatomic Cascade:
    • Progressive 1st MTPJ subluxation.
    • Imbalance of intrinsic/extrinsic muscles.
    • Bunion formation (medial exostosis, adventitious bursa). Hallux Valgus Anatomy with Angles

⭐ Hallux valgus is the most common forefoot deformity, affecting women more than men (approx. 9:1).

Hallux Valgus: Clinicals - Deformity Detective

  • Presentation:

    • Lateral deviation of great toe (hallux) & medial deviation of 1st metatarsal.
    • Pain over medial eminence (bunion), footwear difficulty.
    • Numbness/tingling (compression of medial dorsal cutaneous nerve).
    • Associated deformities: hammertoe, lesser metatarsalgia.
  • Examination:

    • Assess deformity reducibility, range of motion (1st MTPJ).
    • Check for callosities, skin irritation, neurovascular status.
    • Gait assessment.
  • Radiographic Evaluation (Weight-bearing AP & Lateral views):

    • Key angles for severity & surgical planning:
AngleNormalMildModerateSevere
Hallux Valgus Angle (HVA)< 15°15-20°21-39°40°
Intermetatarsal Angle (IMA)< 9-11°12-15°16°
Distal Metatarsal Articular Angle (DMAA)< 10°
  • Assess joint congruity, arthritis, sesamoid position (📌 AP view).

Hallux Valgus: Non-Surgical - Gentle Footsteps

  • Primary Goals: Alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, slow deformity progression, improve foot function.
  • Footwear Modifications:
    • Wide, deep toe-box shoes.
    • Soft, non-restrictive uppers.
    • Heels < 1-2 inches.
  • Orthotics & Devices:
    • Toe spacers/Hallux valgus splints (day/night).
    • Bunion pads/shields (protect prominence).
    • Arch supports (for associated pes planus).
  • Analgesia: NSAIDs (oral/topical).
  • Physical Therapy: Stretching (toe adductors, calf), intrinsic muscle strengthening.
  • Activity Modification: Avoid pain-triggering activities.

⭐ Conservative management aims to relieve symptoms and slow progression, not to correct the anatomical deformity.

Hallux Valgus: Surgery - Bunion Be-Gone!

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High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Hallux Valgus: Lateral deviation of great toe, medial deviation of 1st metatarsal.
  • Ill-fitting footwear is a key extrinsic cause.
  • Key angles: Hallux Valgus Angle (HVA) > 15°; Intermetatarsal Angle (IMA) > .
  • Bunion (medial eminence) is a characteristic painful prominence.
  • Conservative: Shoe modification, orthotics, NSAIDs.
  • Surgery: Osteotomies (Chevron, Scarf) for deformity correction; Keller arthroplasty for elderly.
  • Complications: Recurrence, hallux varus, nerve injury.

Practice Questions: Hallux Valgus

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Genu valgus deformity seen when?

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Flashcards: Hallux Valgus

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Foot drop is characterized by a foot that is _____ and plantarflexed at rest.

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Foot drop is characterized by a foot that is _____ and plantarflexed at rest.

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