The co-occurrence of calcaneal spur and hallux valgus: A radiological evaluation

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Calcaneal spur and hallux valgus are common foot deformities and both conditions have been shown to disrupt foot biomechanics.

OBJECTIVES:

This study aimed to investigate the association between calcaneal spur and hallux valgus using radiographic and demographic data.

METHODS:

A total of 1375 patients (1083 women; mean age: 45.5 years) with standard ankle lateral and foot conventional anteroposterior radiographs were evaluated. The following data were obtained: age, gender, laterality, hallux valgus angle (HVA), intermetatarsal angle (IMA), and calcaneal spur. Patients with a HVA of 15 ${}^{\circ }$ and above were considered to have hallux valgus. Patients with hallux valgus were classified into three different groups according to the HVA.

RESULTS:

The prevalence of calcaneal spur was higher in older age and women (45.8%, 30.2%; $p<$ 0.01, $p<$ 0.01, respectively). Subjects with and without calcaneal spurs had similarities in terms of their laterality, having a HVA of $⩾$ 15 ${}^{\circ }$ and an IMA of $⩾$ 11 ${}^{\circ }$ ( $p>$ 0.05). Hallux valgus severity was not associated with calcaneal spur ( $p>$ 0.05). In addition, the hallux valgus prevalence was higher in patients who were over 50 years old (58.2%, $p=$ 0.046).

CONCLUSIONS:

The presence of calcaneal spurs does not affect the prevalence of hallux valgus. The severity of hallux valgus determined according to the HVA was similar in patients with and without calcaneal spurs. In addition, female gender and older age were identified as risk factors for calcaneal spurs, while only older age was a risk factor for hallux valgus.