Patient Reported Outcomes and Recurrence following 127 Primary Lapidus Surgeries for Hallux Valgus

CATEGORY: Bunion; Midfoot/Forefoot INTRODUCTION/PURPOSE: Treatment for symptomatic hallux valgus encompasses a spectrum of surgical options to appropriately address the degree of deformity. The modified Lapidus has emerged as a powerful surgical option to address moderate to severe deformity as well as hallux valgus with 1st ray hypermobility. Unlike metatarsal osteotomies, the literature is lacking in clinical and radiographic outcomes. Previous retrospective series have reported recurrence rates less than 15%, but our experience found a higher recurrence rate. We aimed to evaluate the effect of radiographic recurrence on patient reported outcome measures and satisfaction. METHODS: After obtaining institutional board review approval, patients were identified by procedural billing codes from 2012- 2016. Only primary Lapidus surgeries were included. All patients were contacted and invited to return to obtain patient reported outcome scores (AOFAS, FAAM) and assess satisfaction. HVA>=20 at final follow-up was used to define recurrence. Data was analyzed utilizing statistical analysis software (SAS v9.4).328 surgeries were identified with 255 eligible and contacted for follow-up. 77 surveys were completed in person and 50 were completed over the phone or via email with total response rate of 50%. RESULTS: Average follow-up was 59 months. 38% had radiographic recurrence (48/127), 24% perceived recurrence (30/125), and 9.5% had reoperation for recurrence (12/126). AOFAS scores were lower with radiographic recurrence (p=0.01) and perceived recurrence (p=0.003). FAAM-ADL scores were not different in radiographic recurrence (p=0.79) but were lower in perceived recurrence (p=0.001). Overall, satisfaction was good-excellent in 74% and fair-poor in 26%. For radiographic (p=0.03) and perceived recurrence (p<0.0001), there was lower satisfaction reported. 78% would repeat surgery. Decision to repeat surgery was not different for radiographic recurrence with 81% without vs 74% with recurrence (p=0.37) saying they would have surgery again. However, it was different for perceived recurrence with 84% without vs 59% with recurrence saying they would have surgery again (p=0.01). CONCLUSION: Despite a high radiographic recurrence rate (38%), only a portion perceived a recurrence (24%) and an even smaller proportion (9.5%) had a reoperation for the recurrence. Nonetheless, these results suggest radiographic and clinical outcomes are not as high as previously reported for the modified Lapidus procedure.