Hallux Varus Workup

Updated: Sep 11, 2023
  • Author: Amy Jo Ptaszek, MD; Chief Editor: Vinod K Panchbhavi, MD, FACS, FAOA, FABOS, FAAOS  more...
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Workup

Laboratory Studies

Order laboratory studies that are applicable to the specific patient. If infection is suspected, obtain the following indices:

  • Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
  • C-reactive protein (CRP)
  • White blood cell (WBC) count

If inflammatory disease is suspected, test for rheumatoid factor (RF) and antinuclear antibody (ANA). Rheumatology consultation may be warranted.

Joint aspiration may also be indicated to evaluate infectious versus rheumatologic etiologies. 

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Imaging Studies

Weightbearing radiographs of both feet, including anteroposterior (see the first and second images), lateral (see the third and fourth images), and sesamoid views, help clinicians to assess the degree of varus, the intermetatarsal (IM) and interphalangeal (IP) angles, the position of the sesamoids relative to the metatarsal head, and any degenerative changes in the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) or IP joints.

Anteroposterior radiograph of foot shows iatrogeni Anteroposterior radiograph of foot shows iatrogenic hallux varus following proximal osteotomy and distal soft-tissue realignment.
Anteroposterior radiograph of foot depicts idiopat Anteroposterior radiograph of foot depicts idiopathic hallux varus.
Lateral radiograph of foot depicts iatrogenic hall Lateral radiograph of foot depicts iatrogenic hallux varus following proximal osteotomy and distal soft-tissue realignment.
Lateral radiograph of foot shows idiopathic hallux Lateral radiograph of foot shows idiopathic hallux varus.
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