A comparison of the prevalence of hallux valgus in three South African populations

The prevalence of hallux valgus and its relationship to the metatarsal angles and the shape of the foot have been assessed in women over 50 years of age from three populations: an urban White community, an urban Black community, and a rural Black community. Hallux valgus was significantly more common in the Whites than in either of the Black groups; there was no significant difference in the prevalence in rural and urban Blacks. Likewise, the angle between the first and second metatarsals was significantly greater in White women (mean 10,80°) than in Black women (mean 8,21° for urban Blacks and 7,05° for rural Blacks). From this study it could be deduced whether the increased metatarsal angle was the cause of the more frequent appearance of hallux valgus in White women.