Patient reported outcomes following the combined rotation scarf and Akin's osteotomies in 71 consecutive cases.

BACKGROUND: The outcomes of hallux valgus surgery will be measured with reference to two discrete measures of health related quality of life (HRQOL). Clinical, radiographic outcomes and patient satisfaction will also be considered.

OBJECTIVES: To assess health related quality of life following rotation scarf and Akin's osteotomies.

METHOD: A prospective clinical audit of 71 consecutive patients undergoing surgical repair of hallux valgus. Outcomes included the Manchester Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ), EQ-5D, clinical measures, radiographic measures and patient satisfaction.

RESULTS: The mean MOXFQ scores improved across the three domains. Walking/standing improved from 54.2 (s.d. 21.4) pre operation to 12 (s.d. 18.1) post operation. Pain improved from 60 (s.d. 19.3) to 15 (s.d. 16.9). Social interaction improved from 53.8 (s.d. 21) to 19.1 (14.6). The improvement in each category was significant, p < 0.0001. EQ-5D scores also improved following intervention. AOFAS scores improved from a pre operation mean of 52.1 to 93.3 post operation (p < 0.0001). All radiographic measures significantly improved (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS: Assessment of outcomes following surgical intervention is of critical importance to the foot surgeon. This study has demonstrated that the combined rotation scarf and Akin's procedure is a reliable procedure, capable of improving a patient's HRQOL.