Abstract

Introduction. Hallux valgus deformity is a common foot disorder that causes pain and changes foot shape. The etiology is multifactorial and among other factors biomechanical disturbances are greatly responsible for development of forefoot deformity and pain syndrome.

Material and methods. Forefoot pressure distribution while walking at self-selected speed was analysed in 15 female patients (mean age 41 years, min 13 years, max 70 years) suffering from hallux valgus deformity. Plantar pressure distribution data were collected and analysed using the Footscan Scientific 3D Box system and software (RSscan International, Belgium). The following data were registered for each metatarsal head and great toe: percentage of contact time versus complete stance phase (% Contact), percentage of loading time versus forefoot loading time (Comp%), maximum pressure (Pmax), total amount of pressure during the complete stance phase (Imp). The data were compared with the normal value upper limit of the Footscan software reference base.

Results. Overpressure on projection of 2–4 metatarsal heads while walking was observed in female patients.