Kinematics of the Hip Joint in Middle-Aged, Elderly, and Senile Female Patients With Moderate and Severe Hallux Valgus Deformity

Objective: This study aimed to identify the features of hip joint (HJ) kinematics in women with hallux valgus (HV) deformity of varying severity. Methods: The study included 60 middle-aged, elderly, and senile females, among whom there were 32 patients with moderate and severe HV (18 and 14 women, Groups 1a and 1b, respectively) and 28 women without musculoskeletal disorders (Group 2), matched by age, height, weight, body mass index, and limb length. Kinematic parameters of the HJ were assessed using a Vicon motion capture and analysis system, specifically the Vicon Nexus 2.0 and Vicon Polygon 4.2 software (UK). The obtained data on angular values of the HJ kinematics throughout the entire gait cycle (GC) were analyzed statistically. Results: In patients with severe HV, profound changes in HJ kinematics were observed, with values significantly differing not only from the control group but also from the group with moderate HV. These included an increase in flexion angle at the beginning of the GC and at the second flexion peak during the late swing phase, as well as a decrease in extension angle during the pre-swing phase. In addition, severe HV was associated with an increase in adduction angle during the mid-stance phase and a decrease in abduction angle during the early swing phase, compared to patients with moderate HV and women in the control group. In contrast, in moderate HV, the flexion angle at the second peak and the adduction angle at the second peak of adduction did not differ significantly from those of the control group. Conclusion: The obtained data may contribute to improving existing treatment methods for HV of varying severity, based on an understanding of the biomechanics of not only distal but also proximal joints of the lower limb, as well as to the prevention of complications and recurrence of this pathology.