Patient’s Reported Outcome Following Chevron Distal Osteotomy Versus SERI (Simple, Effective, Rapid and Inexpensive) Procedure in Hallux Valgus Surgery

Introduction This study compares patient-centered outcomes following Chevron osteotomy and the minimally invasive SERI (Simple, Effective, Rapid and Inexpensive) technique for hallux valgus correction. Despite achieving radiographic success, patient dissatisfaction persists, necessitating evaluation beyond radiological parameters. Using the Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ) and pain scoring tools, this research assesses postoperative generic and foot specific quality of life to determine which surgical method provides superior results and inform evidence-based clinical practice. Methodology Data were retrospectively collected from patients at Security Forces Hospital, Riyadh (2022-2024). Eligible patients with isolated hallux valgus were contacted two to four years post-surgery. Outcomes were assessed via the FHSQ, administered electronically or by phone. Statistical analysis using SPSS included comparing FHSQ domain scores (foot pain, function, footwear, general foot health) between surgical groups, with subgroup analysis by deformity severity. Significance was set at p < 0.05. Results Of 58 eligible patients, 41 (70.7% response rate) completed the study. The SERI group (n = 24) and Chevron group (n = 17) had a mean age of 32.5 years. Analysis revealed SERI osteotomy resulted in statistically superior patient-reported outcomes in two key domains: foot function (mean = 73.96 vs. 53.56, p = 0.023) and general foot health (78.33 vs. 57.21, p = 0.008). This advantage was most pronounced in patients with moderate preoperative deformity. No significant differences were observed for foot pain or footwear comfort. The findings suggest the minimally invasive SERI technique may offer better functional recovery and perceived foot health compared to the Chevron procedure. Conclusion Both techniques effectively treat hallux valgus. The SERI osteotomy demonstrated superior patient-reported outcomes in function and general foot health for moderate deformities, attributed to its minimally invasive nature. However, long-term pain relief was comparable. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are crucial for evaluating success.