Definition and research guide
This page combines a MeSH definition, publication statistics and selected research abstracts. It is a starting point for reading the literature, not a medical textbook or a systematic evidence review.
Content available: 4 complete abstracts (1,046 words), 10 references. Full article text is not stored or reproduced here; follow the PMID, DOI or PMC links to read the original sources and their access terms.
Definition
Abnormal swelling of the inner aspect of the first metatarsal head affecting the first metatarsophalangeal joint.
Definition: NLM Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) scope note (Public domain (U.S. National Library of Medicine); attribution requested). View the MeSH record.
Also known as: Bunions.
Where it fits in the MeSH classification
- Broader topics
- Foot Deformities, Acquired
- Narrower topics
- Bunion, Tailor's
Related concepts
- Metatarsophalangeal Joint
Research landscape
PubMed indexes 312 records tagged with the MeSH heading “Bunion” (counts retrieved 2026-11-04). 225 of them (72.1%) were published from 2020 onward, and the busiest period so far is 2020 onward with 225 records.
Reviews account for 47 records (15.1%) and meta-analyses for 7. Randomized controlled trials number 10 (3.2%) as a share of all records on the topic.
Show the data
| Period | Records |
|---|---|
| through 1999 | 0 |
| 2000-2009 | 10 |
| 2010-2019 | 77 |
| 2020 onward | 225 |
Publication-type chart data
| Type | Records | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Reviews | 47 | 15.1% |
| Meta-analyses | 7 | 2.2% |
| Randomized controlled trials | 10 | 3.2% |
Method: PubMed query "Bunion"[MeSH Terms] with publication-type and date filters, retrieved 2026-11-04.
Reading the evidence in bones, joints, muscles and skin
Joint, bone, muscle and skin conditions are often judged by pain scores, function questionnaires, imaging or photographs, and symptoms can fluctuate, so placebo response and natural improvement matter. Imaging changes are common in people without symptoms. Nothing on this page is advice about treatment. Check how outcomes were measured, whether the comparison group received a placebo or usual care, and how long the benefit lasted.
Evidence from open-access studies
These open-access studies come from PubMed’s best-match results for this heading (papers whose main topic it is), ranked here by citation count, with one recent addition. Each abstract is reproduced in full under its recorded open licence so that you can read the authors’ own words. They illustrate the literature; they are not a systematic summary of it. Citation counts measure attention, not reliability or clinical benefit.
| Study / authors | Year | Source label / design | Europe PMC citations | Licence / source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Global prevalence and incidence of hallux valgus: a systematic review and meta-analysis | 2023 | Meta-analysis Design not recorded in structured metadata | 63 | cc by PMID 37726760 · DOI · PMC10510234 |
| Metatarsal Pronation in Hallux Valgus Deformity: A Review | 2020 | Review article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 47 | cc by PMID 32656482 · DOI · PMC7322783 |
| 3rd generation MICA with the "K-wires-first technique" - a step-by-step instruction and preliminary results | 2022 | Research article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 18 | cc by PMID 35042485 · DOI · PMC8767719 |
| Comparative effects of modified rotary scarf osteotomy and traditional scarf osteotomy in treating moderate to severe hallux valgus: a retrospective cohort study | 2024 | Research article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 4 | cc by PMID 38216881 · DOI · PMC10787438 |
Global prevalence and incidence of hallux valgus: a systematic review and meta-analysis [1]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- BackgroundThough hallux valgus is a common foot deformity, the integrated information on its global prevalence and incidence is relatively lacking.
- Closing excerpt
- Due to the high heterogeneity of the included studies, the findings should be interpreted with caution.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (352 words)
BackgroundThough hallux valgus is a common foot deformity, the integrated information on its global prevalence and incidence is relatively lacking. The aim of this research was to assess the global prevalence and incidence of hallux valgus, thus providing reliable data reference for clinical practice.MethodsA systematic review of global hallux valgus research publications concerning its prevalence and incidence was performed based on six electronic databases ((PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), China Online Journals and CQVIP)) from their inception to November 16, 2022. The search terms included "hallux valgus or bunion and prevalence or incidence or epidemiology." All languages were included. Data were extracted by country, continent, age group, gender and other information. The risk of bias was assessed by the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Instrument for Studies Reporting Prevalence Data by using random-effects models to synthesize available evidence.ResultsA total of 45 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The overall pooled estimated prevalence was 19% (95% CI, 13% to 25%) (n=186,262,669) for hallux valgus. In subgroup meta-analyses, the prevalence of hallux valgus was 21.96% (95% CI, 10.95% to 35.46%) in Asia, 3% (95% CI, 0% to 15%) in Africa, 18.35% (95% CI, 11.65% to 26.16%) in Europe, 29.26% (95% CI, 4.8% to 63.26%) in Oceania, and 16.1% (95% CI, 5.9% to 30.05%) in North America, respectively. The pooled prevalence of hallux valgus by gender was 23.74% (95% CI, 16.21% to 32.21%) for females and 11.43% (95% CI, 6.18% to 18%) for males. The prevalence was 11% (95% CI, 2% to 26%) in individuals younger than 20 years old, 12.22% in adults aged 20-60 years (95% CI, 5.86% to 20.46%) and 22.7% in elderly people aged over 60 years (95% CI, 13.1% to 33.98%).ConclusionThis research provided the global prevalence and incidence of hallux valgus in terms of its spatial, temporal, and population distribution. The global estimated pooled prevalence and incidence of hallux valgus was 19%. A higher prevalence of hallux valgus was found in females, Oceania countries, and among people aged over 60 years. Due to the high heterogeneity of the included studies, the findings should be interpreted with caution.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 37726760 · DOI · PMC10510234
Metatarsal Pronation in Hallux Valgus Deformity: A Review [2]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- Hallux valgus deformity is a multiplanar deformity, where the rotational component has been recognized over the past 5 to 10 years and given considerable importance.
- Closing excerpt
- Treatment options are discussed briefly, including metatarsal osteotomies and tarsometatarsal arthrodesis.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (172 words)
Hallux valgus deformity is a multiplanar deformity, where the rotational component has been recognized over the past 5 to 10 years and given considerable importance. Years ago, a rounded shape of the lateral edge of the first metatarsal head was identified as an important factor to detect after surgery because a less rounded metatarsal head was associated to less recurrence. More recently, pronation of the metatarsal bone was identified as the cause for the rounded appearance of the metatarsal head, and therefore, supination stress was found to be useful to achieve a better correction of the deformity. Using CT scans, up to 87% of hallux valgus cases have been shown to present with a pronated metatarsal bone, which highlights the multiplanar nature of the deformity. This pronation explained the perceived shape of the metatarsal bone and the malposition of the medial sesamoid bone in radiological studies, which has been associated as one of the most important factors for recurrence after treatment. Treatment options are discussed briefly, including metatarsal osteotomies and tarsometatarsal arthrodesis.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 32656482 · DOI · PMC7322783
3rd generation MICA with the "K-wires-first technique" - a step-by-step instruction and preliminary results [3]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- BackgroundMinimally-invasive techniques for hallux valgus correction are becoming increasingly popular.
- Closing excerpt
- ch ).
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (292 words)
BackgroundMinimally-invasive techniques for hallux valgus correction are becoming increasingly popular. In the last decades, multiple techniques for minimally-invasive hallux valgus correction have been described. MICA (Minimally-invasive Chevron & Akin), representing the 3rd generation of minimally-invasive hallux valgus correction, combines the advantages of an extraarticular osteotomy, stable internal fixation, and high potential for correction. This report aims to provide a step-by-step instruction of the surgical technique with the "K-wires-first" MICA modification, illustrated by detailed imaging of both intraoperative fluoroscopy and clinical imaging as well as corresponding sawbone models for each step. Preliminary results including radiological outcome and complications of the first 50 cases will be discussed.MethodsBetween May 2018 and May 2021, 50 consecutive MICAs in 47 patients were performed with the K-wires-first technique. There were 40 women and 7 men with an average of 57.4y (range 25-78). The mean preoperative IMA was 16.2° (range 11.0-21.5), the HVA 30.6° (range 21.8-42.1).ResultsThere was one intraoperative conversion to an open surgical bunion correction corresponding to a 2% conversion rate respectively (1/50). On 3 feet (2 patients), removal of the Chevron screws was performed after 7, 9, and 12 months due to prominent and disturbing screw heads at the level of the medial cortex, accounting for a revision rate of 6% (3/50). There were no other secondary revision surgeries. The IMA decreased after MICA by a mean of 10.8° from 16.2° to 5.4° and the HVA by a mean of 22.1° from 30.6° to 8.5°, demonstrating MICA's high potential for correction.ConclusionsCompared to other MICA techniques, the K-wires-first modification helps to reduce hardware malpositioning and the risk of conversion to open surgery. Furthermore, our preliminary results demonstrate a high potential for correction even for severe hallux deformities.Trial registrationRetrospectively registered, swissethics BASEC-ID 2021-01537, July 16th, 2021 ( www.raps.swissethics.ch ).
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 35042485 · DOI · PMC8767719
Comparative effects of modified rotary scarf osteotomy and traditional scarf osteotomy in treating moderate to severe hallux valgus: a retrospective cohort study [4]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- BackgroundTraditional Scarf osteotomy (TSO) is an effective procedure with a good record in moderate to severe hallux valgus (MSHV) surgery.
- Closing excerpt
- Although DMAA could be increased by MRSO, MRSO could still be a reproducible, non-dangerous and efficacious alternative procedure for treating HV patients which do not have severe DMAA.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (230 words)
BackgroundTraditional Scarf osteotomy (TSO) is an effective procedure with a good record in moderate to severe hallux valgus (MSHV) surgery. In order to overcome shortcomings of TSO, Modified Rotary Scarf osteotomy (MRSO) was introduced in this study, which aimed to compare the clinical and radiological outcome in the patients treated with MRSO or TSO.MethodsOf 175 patients (247 feet) with MSHV, 100 patients (138 feet) treated with MRSO and 75 patients (109 feet) treated with TSO were evaluated according to relevant indicators in twenty-four months follow-up. Pre-surgical and post-surgical HVA, IMA, DMAA, MTP-1 ROM, sesamoid grade and AOFAS (American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society) scores and postsurgical complications were evaluated.ResultsBoth groups manifested similar baseline characters. The mean follow-up was of 25.9 (range, 22-37) months. Significantly lower IMA, lower Sesamoid grade and higher DMAA at six months, twelve months and twenty-four months post-surgically had been showed in MRSO group compared to TSO group. There was no significant difference in HVA, MTP-1 ROM and AOFAS data at each follow-up time point post-surgically between the two groups. No major complications occurred in either group.ConclusionMRSO showed comparable results to TSO, and improved IMA and sesamoid grade to a greater extent, with a lower probability of throughing effect. Although DMAA could be increased by MRSO, MRSO could still be a reproducible, non-dangerous and efficacious alternative procedure for treating HV patients which do not have severe DMAA.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 38216881 · DOI · PMC10787438
Key reviews and meta-analyses
The most cited review-type papers among PubMed’s best-match results for this heading, listed with bibliographic details only. Follow the links for the full text and access terms.
- Research article First Metatarsal Rotation in Hallux Valgus Deformity [5]
- Research article Percutaneous Surgery of the Forefoot [6]
- Research article Complications on Percutaneous Hallux Valgus Surgery: A Systematic Review [7]
- Research article Recurrence Rates With Longer-Term Follow-up After Hallux Valgus Surgical Treatment With Distal Metatarsal Osteotomies: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis [8]
- Research article Comparison of Minimally Invasive and Traditionally Open Surgeries in Correction of Hallux Valgus: A Meta-Analysis [9]
- Research article Learning curve associated with minimally invasive surgery for hallux valgus: A systematic review [10]
References
- Cai Y, Song Y, He M, He W, Zhong X, Wen H, et al.. Global prevalence and incidence of hallux valgus: a systematic review and meta-analysis. . 2023. PMID 37726760 · DOI · PMC10510234
- Wagner E, Wagner P. Metatarsal Pronation in Hallux Valgus Deformity: A Review. . 2020. PMID 32656482 · DOI · PMC7322783
- Toepfer A, Strässle M. 3rd generation MICA with the "K-wires-first technique" - a step-by-step instruction and preliminary results. . 2022. PMID 35042485 · DOI · PMC8767719
- Li Z, Yu W, Lin S, Fu K, Fang Z. Comparative effects of modified rotary scarf osteotomy and traditional scarf osteotomy in treating moderate to severe hallux valgus: a retrospective cohort study. . 2024. PMID 38216881 · DOI · PMC10787438
- Steadman J, Barg A, Saltzman CL. First Metatarsal Rotation in Hallux Valgus Deformity. Foot Ankle Int. 2021. PMID 33764800 · DOI
- Redfern D, Vernois J, Legré BP. Percutaneous Surgery of the Forefoot. Clin Podiatr Med Surg. 2015. PMID 26117570 · DOI
- Miranda MAM, Martins C, Cortegana IM, Campos G, Pérez MFM, Oliva XM. Complications on Percutaneous Hallux Valgus Surgery: A Systematic Review. J Foot Ankle Surg. 2021. PMID 33579548 · DOI
- Lalevee M, de Cesar Netto C, ReSurg, Boublil D, Coillard JY. Recurrence Rates With Longer-Term Follow-up After Hallux Valgus Surgical Treatment With Distal Metatarsal Osteotomies: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Foot Ankle Int. 2023. PMID 36859795 · DOI
- Lu J, Zhao H, Liang X, Ma Q. Comparison of Minimally Invasive and Traditionally Open Surgeries in Correction of Hallux Valgus: A Meta-Analysis. J Foot Ankle Surg. 2020. PMID 32600562 · DOI
- Baumann AN, Walley KC, Anastasio AT, Gong DC, Talusan PG. Learning curve associated with minimally invasive surgery for hallux valgus: A systematic review. Foot Ankle Surg. 2023. PMID 37524619 · DOI
About this article
- Sources
- NLM Medical Subject Headings (definition, synonyms); NCBI PubMed (counts, identifiers); Europe PMC (open-access abstracts and citation counts).
- Verification
- Every reference was resolved against PubMed on 2026-11-04; title, year and DOI matched.
- Review state
- automated source verified; no human expert review has been recorded yet.
- Version
- 1, last updated 2026-11-04.
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Evidence strength
EvidenceHelix's computed view of the study designs behind this topic: how common meta-analyses, randomized trials and reviews are, how recent the literature is, and a plain-language reading. It describes the design mix of the literature. It is not a quality appraisal of any study, and it is not medical advice.