Can patients with psychological distress achieve comparable functional outcomes and satisfaction after hallux valgus surgery? A 2-year follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: This study assessed the influence of preoperative mental health on functional outcomes and satisfaction, and the change in mental health after hallux valgus surgery.

METHODS: 383 patients who underwent scarf osteotomy were analyzed. Visual analogue scale (VAS), American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society score (AOFAS) and SF-36 were assessed at 6 months and 2 years. The cohort was stratified into patients with and without psychological distress (i.e. SF-36 Mental Component Summary [MCS] <50 vs ≥50).

RESULTS: After adjusting for demographics and baseline scores, VAS and AOFAS were poorer in the distressed group at 6 months. However, there was no difference in scores at 2 years and a similar proportion of patients were satisfied. SF-36 MCS in distressed patients significantly improved, but remained lower compared to non-distressed patients at follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS: Patients with psychological distress undergoing hallux valgus surgery had poorer short-term outcomes, but these differences resolved at 2 years.