Recurrence is a frequent and undesirable outcome after hallux valgus (HV) surgery. However, the prevalence of HV recurrence and the pre- and postoperatory factors associated with it have not been adequately studied. This study aimed to quantify the prevalence rate of HV recurrence and to analyze its predisposing factors. MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were systematically searched for observational studies including individuals undergoing HV surgical correction. The random-effects restricted maximum likelihood model was used to estimate the pooled effect size (correlation coefficient (r)). Twenty-three studies were included, yielding a total of 2914 individuals. Pooled prevalence of HV recurrence was 24.86% (95% confidence interval (CI), 19.15 to 30.57, I2 = 91.92%, p = 0.00). Preoperative HV angle (HVA) (r = 0.29; 95% CI, 0.14 to 0.43) and preoperative intermetatarsal angle (IMA) (r = 0.13; 95% CI, 0.00 to 0.27) showed a moderate positive relationship with recurrence. Postoperative HVA (r = 0.57; 95% CI, 0.21 to 0.94) and sesamoid position (r = 0.46; 95% CI, 0.31 to 0.60) showed strong relationships with recurrence. In conclusion, preoperative HVA, IMA, and postoperative HVA and sesamoid position are significant risk factors for HV recurrence, and the association of these factors with recurrence is affected by age.
Keywords: akin osteotomy; bunion; foot; hallux valgus angle; intermetatarsal angle; recurrence; scarf osteotomy.