INVESTIGATION OF FUNCTIONAL STATUS, BALANCE AND KINESIOPHOBIA IN WOMEN WITH HALLUX VALGUS UNDERWENT CHEVRON OSTEOTOMY, A PILOT STUDY

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study, was to investigate functional status, balance and kinesiophobia after Chevron osteotomy in women with Hallux Valgus (HV) in comparison to non-surgical women with HV. Another aim was to compare the pre- and post-surgical radiographic values of women with HV who underwent surgery. Methods: A total of 38 individuals were included in the study, including aged 20-70 years 19 women with an average of 28 months after surgery and 19 HV women diagnosed with non-surgical. Individuals' pain intensity (Visual Analogue Scale), thumb joint range of motion (ROM) (universal goniometer), static balance (Single-Leg-Stance Test), dynamic balance (Timed Up and Go Test), functional status and cosmetic concern (Multidimensional Nil Hallux Valgus Scale), kinesiophobia (Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale) was evaluated. Results: Pain severity, cosmetic concern, ROM of the thumb and HV angle (HVA) were lower in women with HV following surgery than non-surgical HV women (p<0.001); functional scores were better than women with non-surgical HV (p<0.05). Balance and kinesiophobia scores were similar in both groups (p>0.05). However, the average kinesiophobia scores in both groups (surgical: 36.20 ± 5.35; non-surgical: 36.44 ± 5.40) were above the mean score of the scale. HVA and 1-2 intermetatarsal angle of the surgical group showed significant improvement compared to the values before surgery (p <0.001). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the total ROM of thumb is limited and long-term post-surgical kinesiophobia in women with HV. For a comprehensive evaluation of these individuals, it should be taken into consideration that joint movements and kinesiophobia evaluations should be added to physiotherapy and rehabilitation programs before and after surgery.