Can radiology reflect patient satisfaction after hallux valgus surgery?

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to define the first web space length (FWSL) as a new radiologic parameter, which may reflect patients’ subjective satisfaction and be associated with American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score as an objective parameter.
Patients and methods: One hundred and fourteen patients (11 males, 103 females; mean age 43.4±13.2 years; range, 18 to 70 years) who underwent distal osteotomy between April 2010 and January 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were radiographically evaluated with pre- and postoperative standing foot anteroposterior and lateral X-rays. Hallux valgus angles (HVAs), intermetatarsal angle (IMA), and FWSL were measured. AOFAS scores were used for clinical evaluation. Satisfaction scores were obtained using a visual analog scale at the final follow-up.
Results: The relationship between postoperative AOFAS score changes and postoperative HVA changes was statistically significant (p=0.001, p<0.1). The relationship between postoperative AOFAS values and postoperative FWSL changes was statistically significant (p<0.001, p<0.1). No statistically significant relationship was detected between postoperative AOFAS values and IMA changes (p=0.101, p>0.05). The relationship between AOFAS scores and satisfaction scale was statistically significant (r=0.695; p<0.001, p<0.01). The relationship between the satisfaction scale and FWSL was statistically significant (p=0.005, p<0.01).
Conclusion: The FWSL has an influence on patient satisfaction. It is correlated both with AOFAS scores and satisfaction scale. It can be used as a measurable parameter to detect patient satisfaction.