Hallux Valgus Using a Foot Pressure Platform
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Diagnosis of Hallux Valgus by Using a Foot Pressure Platform as an Alternative to Radiological Images
IRAS ID
196559
Contact name
Rami Abboud
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Tayside Medical Science
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
UREC 15124, University of Dundee Research Ethics Committee (UREC) approval
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Hallux Valgus (HV) is a deformity which involves the first metatarsal joint of the foot. Hallux valgus was first described by Carl Heuter in 1871. It involves medial displacement of the 1st metatarsal joint with lateral displacement of the great toe. It is a common condition affecting 28.4% of adults and 74% of the elderly population in the UK. It is more common in females than males with ratio 9:1. A patient with Hallux Valgus presents with a long history of pain over the medial side of the foot. In severe cases, the condition is associated with abnormal gait and inability to maintain balance. Diagnosis of Hallux Valgus is based on radiographic evaluation with three angular measurements being taken into account. These are hallux valgus, intermetatarsal and hallux interphalangeal angles. The normal hallux valgus is less than 15° and intermetatarsal angle is less than 9°. Finally the hallux interphalangeal angle is less than 10°. X-ray is an unethical procedure especially for young patients as is involves exposing patients to radiation which may be harmful. Moreover, it is a static study and does not give any information regarding the dynamic status of the foot. As an alternative using non-risk procedures such as a foot pressure plate can be introduced. This present study aims to substitute X-ray with foot pressure analysis which is safe (radiation-free), easy, relatively inexpensive and provides dynamic data about the foot.
REC name
South Central - Hampshire A Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/SC/0117
Date of REC Opinion
29 Feb 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion