Short term results of dynamic splinting for hallux valgus - A prospective randomized study

Abstract

Background Hallux valgus is a common diagnosis in orthopedics. Only a few studies have analyzed the effects of conservative therapy. Therefore, the current study analyzed the effect of a dynamic hallux valgus splint. Methods Seventy patients were included in this prospective randomized trial. Patients with a hallux valgus were treated using a dynamic splint or underwent no treatment. Clinical and radiological parameters were evaluated. Results We found no significant changes in hallux valgus angle, intermetatarsal I-II angle, AOFAS score, FAOS or SF-36 score between the groups. However, a significant between-group difference was found for pain during walking and running and in the FAOS subscale for pain and pain at rest at follow-up. Conclusions Wearing a dynamic hallux valgus splint does provide some pain relief in patients with a symptomatic hallux valgus, but showed no effect on hallux valgus position. Level of evidence: 1.

Keywords: Conservative treatment; Hallux valgus; Orthosis; Splint.