The use of footprints in assessing the results of operations for hallux valgus. A comparison of Keller's operation and arthrodesis.

One hundred and seventy feet have been reviewed after operations for hallux valgus; eighty-five had had arthrodesis of the first metatarso-phalangeal joint and eighty-five had had Keller's operation. Footprints were made in order to assess the patterns of weight-bearing on the big toe and on the lesser metatarsal heads. After arthodesis the big toe bore weight in 80 per cent compared with 40 per cent after Keller's operation. The ability to bear weight on the big toe is related to the presence of metatarsalgia and excessive weight-bearing on the lesser metatarsal heads. These complicaitons were seen more commonly after Keller's operation (particularly when more than one-third of the phalanx had been excised) than after arthrodesis.