Women after Bilateral Surgical Correction of Hallux Valgus Do not Show Improvement in Spatiotemporal Gait Parameters at 18 Weeks Postoperatively

Background: Hallux valgus (HV) is a gait-altering orthopedic deformity, somewhat more prevalent in women, which often affects both limbs. Although surgery commonly applied treatment, there no consensus the literature on how invasive HV correction spatiotemporal gait parameters, or quickly improvement can be expected. We investigated parameters female patients who underwent bilateral surgical of hallux valgus, preoperatively and 18 weeks following (a timeframe relevant from perspective physical therapy), also relation to non-HV control group. Methods: A total 23 women aged 40–70 years, with moderate severe deformity feet, were assessed postoperatively, an age-matched group 76 healthy was assessed. 22 collected during 30 s walks over electronic walkway (Zebris Medical System). Results: Of analyzed, significant differences between preoperative experimental groups found only 4 (Velocity, Right step time, Total double support Stride time), but 16 postoperative (the greatest impact being for: Left Step Cadence, Foot rotation, length (% leg length) length)). Conclusions: Women after did not exhibit improved (i.e., normal) at postoperatively; rather, they showed abnormalities than preoperatively. These findings urge longer-term planning rehabilitation, involving continual evaluation improvement.