267975 Hallux Valgus and Pes Cavus Are Highly Heritable

Tuesday, October 30, 2012 : 2:30 PM - 2:50 PM

Emily Cook, DPM, MPH, CPH , Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Mount Auburn Hospital, Cambridge, MA
Jeremy Cook, DPM, MPH, CPH , Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Mount Auburn Hospital, Cambridge, MA
Yi-Hsiang Hsu, PhD , HSL, Institute for Aging Research, HSL, Cambridge, MA
Adrienne Cupples, PhD , HSL, HSL, Cambridge, MA
Joanne Jordan, MD , HSL, HSL, Cambridge, MA
Marian Hannan, DSc, MPH , HSL, HSL, Cambridge, MA
INTRODUCTION: Although genetic factors are frequently cited as risk factors for hallux valgus (HAV) and pes cavus (PC), only one study has provided evidence that genetics play a role in foot disorders. The primary aim of this study was to estimate the heritability of HAV and PC utilizing genetic data collected in the large, community-based Framingham Foot Study. METHODS: Framingham Foot Study participants (n=2179) were genotyped and prospectively examined for common foot disorders by a trained examiner using a validated foot exam. Heritability of HAV and PC was analyzed by a standard quantitative genetic variance-components model implemented in the Sequential Oligogenic Linkage Analysis Routines (SOLAR) package. RESULTS: Mean age was 66y (range 39-99y) and the prevalence of HAV and PC was 31% and 7% respectively. HAV heritability was 39% for women and 38% for men but was significantly higher for adult participants <60y (HAV heritability = 89%). PC heritability was 68% for women and 20% for men but was significantly higher for participants <60y [PC heritability = 99% (women) and 63% (men)]. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first large community-based study to estimate the genetic effect of HAV and PC. Our results indicate that HAV and PC are highly heritable, especially for adults ages 39-to 60y. Therefore, we conclude that a positive family history for HAV or PC is a relevant risk factor. Future studies should assess effective preventive treatment strategies, especially in younger adults, that minimize the impact of these foot disorders in patients identified as high risk.

Learning Areas:
Public health or related research

Learning Objectives:
1. Have a greater understanding of the Framingham Foot Study 2. Understand that hallux abducto valgus deformity is highly hereditary 3. Understand that pes cavus deformity is highly hereditary

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am a coinvestigator in this study and have expertise in research and foot and ankle care.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.