Hallux valgus en el adulto: conceptos actuales y revisión del tema

Hallux valgus, or bunion, is a deformity of the big toe and a first metatarsal varus deviation. Most (90%) of patients are women, with bunion pain, metatarsalgia, and claw toes, being the most frequent complaints. The genetic background and use of pointed shoes are the most important factors responsible for this condition. The treatment decision is taken depending on the complaints due to this deformity. Patients that do not usually wear tight pointed shoes never have symptoms even in severe hallux valgus. On the other hand, people that wear formal or tight footwear at work, it can be very painful even with very mild bunion deformities. Non-surgical treatment does not correct the bunion. The only way to relieve symptoms is using wide shoes, and / or insoles in cases of metatarsalgia. Surgical correction is performed by osteotomy. There are multiple techniques, which are used depending on the severity of the deformity and the experience of the surgeon. Successful outcomes are obtained in 85% of patients. The complications risk is about 15%, with recurrence, the presence of osteosynthesis, and superficial infections, accounting for most of them. The recurrence risk increases if the deformity is severe, but most recurrences are mild and do not always require surgery.