Article

Hallux valgus is a very common foot deformity in modern societies.
The impact of this condition on foot function has been described qualitatively
and quantitatively.
Published patho-mechanical models are mainly underpinned by findings originating from plantar pressure measurements. However, the kinematical
patterns of the many foot segments during gait have not been quantified. This
study aims to evaluate the kinematics of the various foot segments in the
presence of this deformity. METHODS: Using the Oxford Foot Model and a 12-camera
Motion Analysis System, gait analysis was conducted on a convenience sample of 20
participants with hallux valgus and compared to that of 22 randomly selected
symptom-free volunteers. Differences between temporal and kinematical data
between groups were analyzed using the unpaired parametric Student t-test
(significance level p<0.01). RESULTS: During specific gait events, a different
range of motion was found at several inter-segment angles. Particularly, the
range of motion of the hallux (sagittal plane) and hindfoot (frontal-transverse
planes) during stance were significantly different (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Sagittal
plane kinematics of the hallux is affected by the first ray deformity in this condition. However, the impact on other segments was found to be limited.
This suggests that the patho-mechanical consequences remain limited to the weight
bearing function of the first ray.
CI - Copyright 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS