Timing of Weight Bearing After Hallux Valgus Surgery

Randomised Controlled Trial of the Timing of Full Weight Bearing Walking After Soft Tissue Hallux Valgus Surgery

Investigate the optimal timing for weight bearing after Hallux Valgus surgery. Hypothesis: Early weight bearing does not affect outcome after the Endoscopic Distal Soft Tissue Procedure for Hallux Valgus Correction.

Introduction:

• Rehabilitation plans after hallux valgus/bunion surgery is varied
• From a patient's perspective, full weight bearing is paramount for quality of life and return to work/study
• No high-level study showing the optimal time to resume full weight bearing available

Hypothesis:

Early weight bearing (at 2 weeks post-op) does not affect outcome after the Endoscopic Distal Soft Tissue Procedure for Hallux Valgus correction

Trial Design:

• Parallel group
• Random allocation
• Operating Surgeon blind to randomisation

Study Setting:

• General Regional Hospital
• Single Centre

Inclusion Criteria:

• All patients undergoing the EDSTP recruited

Exclusion Criteria:

• Cases requiring additional procedures (eg 2nd toe correction)
• Mental incapacitation
• Physical disability hindering rehabilitation (eg CVA, neurological disorder)