Abstract
Hallux Abducto Valgus (HAV) is a common cause of foot pain causing deformity and often disability. The female population is more frequently affected by HAV than the male population with the two main causative factors being congenital and inappropriate footwear. Surgery is the most prevalent treatment, but it does not take into consideration the biomechanical effects on the biomechanical chain and therefore the deformity frequently reoccurs and complications after surgery are many.
The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy of the Brantingham protocol versus the HAV Night Splint in the treatment of painful HAV.
Thirty participants were selected to participate in the study and certain criteria had to be met. Participants were randomly divided into two groups, Group 1 was treated using a chiropractic protocol. The Brantingham Protocol that consisted of mobilization and specific adjustment of the first metatarsophalangeal joint was used. Group 2 was treated by the use of a HAV Night Splint.
Patients were treated over a 2-week period, twice a week with a 1-week follow up and a 1-month follow up. The lasting effect of the individual treatments was determined by the follow-up periods. Objective and subjective measurements were taken at each visit. Subjective measurements consisted of the McGill pain questionnaire (Melzack, 1975) (Appendix D), visual analogue scale (Masarsky and Todres-Masarsky, 2001) (Appendix B) and the foot function index pain scale (Saag et al., 1996) (Appendix C). Objective measurements consisted of passive Plantar and Dorsiflexion of the First metatarsophalangeal joint.
The results indicated a statistical and numerical significance within and between each group both subjectively and objectively. Group 1 proved to be superior to Group 2 in the treatment of painful HAV.
In conclusion, both the Brantingham Protocol and the HAV Night Splint proved to be effective in the treatment of painful HAV. However, Group 1 proved to be superior to Group 2 in the treatment of painful HAV.
Dr. Birdsey
Mr. Zipfel