The comparison of designed slipper splints with the splints available on the market in the treatment of hallux valgus

Hallux valgus or laterally deviation of thebig toe to the out side is a complex disease. If there is not any treatment it will cause deviation of other toes. Hallux valgus is 3 times more common in females that may cause uncomfortable deformity of foot, problem with wearing unsuitable and narrow-toed box shoes and pain on the inside of the big toe over the metatarsal joint, therefore patients may refer to physician. Untreated Hallux valgus may cause hamer toe deformity of the second toe. This study was a cohort study carried out on the patients referred to orthopedic clinic of Ashayer hospital with complaint of Hallux valgus. Two groups of 30cases were ramdomly selected and then the splints designed by us were given to case group and Night splint and interdigital pad were given to the control group. The patients were followed for one year as every three months and in every time weight bearing antroposterior radiography of both foot were taken and Hallux valgus and inter metatarsal angles were measured, and data were analyzed using SPSS and repeated measure test. In the patients who used our splints regularly Hallux valgus angles decresed more considerably than those who used splints available on the market (p<0.001). This study showed that despite the contraversies in nonoperative treatment of Hallux valgus, if the Hallux valgus angle of patients are mild to moderate, this splints can be used to treat it.