Introduction:

the orthopedic shoe is usually prescribed during postoperative care after hallux valgus surgery to protect the osteotomy and provide functional comfort to the patient. In this regard, the superiority of rigid sole shoe (RSS) compared to the reverse camber shoe (RCS) remains controversial. The aim of this study is to compare the clinical, functional and radiological outcomes from using the rigid sole shoe (RSS) vs. the reverse camber shoe (RCS) after hallux valgus surgery.

Material and methods:

fifty-seven hallux valgus surgery patients were included and analyzed retrospectively. The 1st group included 28 patients using the RSS and the 2nd group included 29 patients using the RCS. The orthopedic shoe was used for six weeks postoperatively. Clinical data (lumbar and lower limb pain, need of crutches and problems with going up and down stairs), radiological data (IMA, HVA) and postoperative complications (displacement of osteotomy, metatarsal fracture or non-union) were collected.

Results:

the RSS showed less difficulty going up and down stairs (OR 3.8 (CI 95% 1.2-12.8), p 0.02), only going upstairs (OR 3.2 (CI 95% 1.1-10), p 0.03), as well as a decreased need for crutches (OR 1.7 (CI 95% 1.04-2.6), p < 0.03). Lumbar spine or lower limb pain did not show any statistical differences. No statistical differences in the epidemiological and radiological data were found between the groups.

Conclusions:

the RSS seems to provide more comfort to the patients without worsening the radiological results.