Validity of self-assessment of hallux valgus

Description: Hallux valgus (HV) is a common condition involving the progressive subluxation of the first metatarsophalangeal joint due to lateral deviation of the hallux and medial deviation of the first metatarsal. The objective of this study was to evaluate the re-test reliability and validity of self-assessment of HV using a simple clinical screening tool involving four standardised photographs (the Manchester scale), in order to determine whether this tool could be used for postal surveys of the condition.
The Manchester scale demonstrates high re-test reliability, and self-assessment scores obtained by participants are strongly associated with scores obtained by examiners. These findings indicate that the tool can be used with confidence in postal surveys to document the presence and severity of HV. Trial registration: ACTRN12608000065392
Validity of self-assessment of hallux valgus using the Manchester scale Menz HB, Fotoohabadi MR, Wee E, Spink MJ BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 2010, 11:215 (20 September 2010) full text available