Hallux valgus is a common forefoot deformity characterized by lateral deviation of the hallux and medial deviation of the first metatarsal. Surgical correction is performed to restore alignment and relieve symptoms, but postoperative soft tissue healing requires mechanical support to maintain the correction during early recovery. A toe spacer is routinely used for this purpose, generally applied between the hallux and second toe for several weeks after surgery.
Traditional spacers, typically fabricated from folded gauze, are non-custom solutions that may not conform to the patient's individual anatomy. As a result, they may cause discomfort, pressure areas, or misalignment of the lesser toes. To overcome these limitations, a custom-made spacer has been designed using 3D-printing technology. The device is manufactured from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), a biocompatible material commonly used in orthotic applications. It is externally applied and does not enter the surgical wound. The device is intended to improve comfort and maintain postoperative hallux alignment more effectively than standard spacers.
This study is a single-center randomized controlled trial evaluating the feasibility, tolerance, and early alignment outcomes associated with the use of the custom-made 3D-printed spacer compared to standard folded-gauze spacers. Forty adult participants undergoing hallux valgus surgical correction will be randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to the intervention or control group through sealed opaque envelopes prepared prior to study initiation. Both interventions are non-invasive and part of routine postoperative care.
The spacer will be applied immediately after surgery and continuously maintained for five weeks. Standardized follow-up evaluations will be performed at 1, 3, and 5 weeks after surgery. Tolerance of the device will be assessed using patient-reported comfort and pain scores and clinical evaluation of skin condition, including the presence of irritation, redness, pressure marks, or ulceration. Alignment outcomes will be assessed at the final follow-up visit using routine weight-bearing radiographs and clinical examination.
The primary aim of this investigation is to assess the tolerance of the custom-made 3D-printed postoperative spacer. Secondary aims include the evaluation of hallux and lesser-toe alignment at five weeks and the documentation of spacer-related adverse events. Because this is an early clinical assessment of a new supportive postoperative device, the study is designed as a minimal-risk feasibility trial with a pragmatic sample size.
All surgical procedures and postoperative care will be conducted by fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeons using standardized techniques. To minimize bias, allocation concealment is ensured by the envelope randomization method, follow-up timing is standardized, and imaging evaluation will be performed based on prespecified measurement criteria.
No additional imaging, radiation exposure, or medical procedures are required beyond standard postoperative care, and participation does not alter the surgical treatment plan. The study is classified under Risk Category A according to the Swiss Human Research Ordinance (HRO), as the device does not pose significant additional risks or burdens beyond normal clinical practice.
The findings of this study will provide preliminary evidence on the clinical feasibility and patient acceptance of customized postoperative spacers following hallux valgus surgery. Positive results may support future larger-scale trials designed to assess long-term clinical outcomes and validate the benefits of individualized postoperative support in forefoot surgical care.
