Radiographic Investigation of the Absolute and Relative First Metatarsal Lengths in the Asymptomatic Foot

2015 ◽  
Vol 105 (6) ◽  
pp. 478-483 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Grady ◽  
Kathleen Trotter ◽  
Jake Ruff ◽  
Sarah Miller

Background We investigated distortion of measured lengths of the first and second metatarsals between two radiographic views and ultrasound-guided measurements. Methods In a case series performed between June 29, 2012, and February 6, 2013, two standard anteroposterior and lateral radiographs of each foot were obtained from 27 asymptomatic participants. Three raters performed blinded radiographic measurements of the first and second metatarsal lengths on each view and compared results. Actual first and second metatarsal lengths were measured using diagnostic ultrasound and were compared with the radiographic measurements. The relative distances between the first and second metatarsals were obtained on the anteroposterior and lateral views and were compared. Results Absolute first metatarsal length measurements were significantly affected by view (mean difference, 5.3 mm; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.88–5.78 mm; P < .001), with no significant difference between raters (P = .039). Absolute second metatarsal length measurements were significantly affected by view (mean difference, 2.84 mm; 95% CI, 2.8–3.6 mm) and by rater (P = .024). First and second metatarsal anteroposterior values were 13.9% and 15.3% longer, respectively, than the actual length as measured by ultrasound (P < .001). Relative first metatarsal length was significantly shorter on lateral views (mean difference, 3.85 mm; 95% CI, 2.7–5 mm; P < .001). First metatarsal length was best approximated by the lateral view. Conclusions This study demonstrates the effect of radiographic distortion on the measurement of metatarsal length. The lateral view is more accurate than the anteroposterior view for measuring the first metatarsal. Owing to variance of relative metatarsal length on the two views, conclusions regarding a relatively short or long first metatarsal compared with the second metatarsal cannot be drawn.

2020 ◽  
pp. 193864002095055
Author(s):  
Kathryn Whitelaw ◽  
Shivesh Shah ◽  
Noortje C. Hagemeijer ◽  
Daniel Guss ◽  
Anne H. Johnson ◽  
...  

Aims Passively correctible, adult-acquired flatfoot deformities (AAFD) are treated with joint-sparing procedures. Questions remain as to the efficacy of such procedures when clinical deformities are severe. In severe deformities, a primary fusion may lead to predictable outcomes, but risks nonunion. We evaluated pre- and postsurgical flexible AAFD patients undergoing joint-sparing or fusion procedures, comparing reoperation and complication rates. Methods We identified patients with flexible AAFD between January 1, 2001 and 2016. Exclusion criteria were incomplete medical record, rigid AAFD, and prior flatfoot surgery. Patient demographics, pre- and postsurgical radiographic measurements, surgery performed, and postoperative complications were evaluated by bivariate analysis, comparing joint-sparing versus fusion procedures. Results Of 239 patients (255 feet) (mean follow-up 62 ± 50 months), 209 (87%) underwent joint-sparing reconstructions, 30 (12.6%) underwent fusions. Fifty-four (24.1%) feet underwent joint-sparing reconstruction with reoperation versus 11 (35.5%) in fusion patients ( P = .17). Radiographic improvement in talonavicular angle, talar first-metatarsal (anteroposterior view), and Meary’s angle was higher in fusion patients ( P < .001, P < .001, and P = .003, respectively). Discussion More nonunion reoperations among fusion patients were offset by reoperations in joint-sparing patients. Fusion uniquely corrected Meary’s angle. Nonunion is of less concern for joint-sparing versus fusion for patients with severe flexible AAFD. Degree of deformity versus advantage of joint motion should improve decision making. Levels of Evidence: Level IV: Retrospective case series


2016 ◽  
Vol 106 (3) ◽  
pp. 172-181
Author(s):  
Andrew F. Knox ◽  
Alan R. Bryant

Background: Controversy exists regarding the structural and functional causes of hallux limitus, including metatarsus primus elevatus, a long first metatarsal, first-ray hypermobility, the shape of the first metatarsal head, and the presence of hallux interphalangeus. Some articles have reported on the radiographic evaluation of these measurements in feet affected by hallux limitus, but no study has directly compared the affected and unaffected feet in patients with unilateral hallux limitus. This case-control pilot study aimed to establish whether any such differences exist. Methods: Dorsoplantar and lateral weightbearing radiographs of both feet in 30 patients with unilateral hallux limitus were assessed for grade of disease, lateral intermetatarsal angle, metatarsal protrusion distance, plantar gapping at the first metatarsocuneiform joint, metatarsal head shape, and hallux abductus interphalangeus angle. Data analysis was performed using a statistical software program. Results: Mean radiographic measurements for affected and unaffected feet demonstrated that metatarsus primus elevatus, a short first metatarsal, first-ray hypermobility, a flat metatarsal head shape, and hallux interphalangeus were prevalent in both feet. There was no statistically significant difference between feet for any of the radiographic parameters measured (Mann-Whitney U tests, independent-samples t tests, and Pearson χ2 tests: P &gt; .05). Conclusions: No significant differences exist in the presence of the structural risk factors examined between affected and unaffected feet in patients with unilateral hallux limitus. The influence of other intrinsic factors, including footedness and family history, should be investigated further.


2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 2473011420S0032
Author(s):  
Thomas L. Lewis ◽  
Robbie Ray; David Gordon

Category: Bunion Introduction/Purpose: Minimally invasive surgery for hallux valgus has significantly increased in popularity recently due to smaller incisions, reduced soft tissue trauma, and the ability to achieve large deformity corrections compared to traditional treatments. This study aimed to investigate the radiological outcomes and degree of deformity correction of the intermetatarsal angle (IMA) and the hallux valgus angle (HVA) following third generation (using screw fixation) Minimally Invasive Chevron and Akin Osteotomies (MICA) for hallux valgus. Methods: A single surgeon case series of patients with hallux valgus underwent primary, third generation MICA for hallux valgus. Pre- and post-operative (6 weeks after surgery) radiological assessments of the IMA and HVA were based on weight-bearing dorso-plantar radiographs. Radiographic measurements were conducted by two foot & ankle fellowship trained consultant surgeons (RR, DG). Paired t-tests were used to determine the statistically significant difference between pre- and post-operative measurements. Results: Between January 2017 and December 2019, 401 MICAs were performed in 274 patients. Pre- and post-operative radiograph measurements were collected for 348 feet in 232 patients (219 female; 13 male). The mean age was 54.4 years (range 16.3-84.9, standard deviation (s.d.) 13.2). Mean pre-operative IMA was 15.3° (range 6.5°-27.0°, s.d. 3.4°) and HVA was 33.8° (range 9.3°-63.9°, s.d. 9.7°). Post-operatively, there was a statistically significant improvement in radiological deformity correction; mean IMA was 5.3° (range -1.2°-16.5°, s.d. 2.7°, p<0.001) and mean HVA was 8.8° (range -5.2°-24.0°, s.d. 4.5°, p<0.001). The mean post-operative reduction in IMA and HVA was 10.0° and 25.0° respectively. Conclusion: This is the largest case series demonstrating radiological outcomes following third generation Minimally Invasive Chevron and Akin Osteotomies (MICA) for hallux valgus to date. These data show that this is an effective approach at correcting both mild and severe hallux valgus deformities. Longer term radiological outcome studies are needed to investigate whether there is any change in radiological outcomes. Correlation with patient reported outcomes is planned.


2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 2473011420S0030
Author(s):  
Jesse King ◽  
Chris M. Stauch ◽  
Ryan M. Ridenour ◽  
Umur Aydogan

Category: Lesser Toes; Midfoot/Forefoot Introduction/Purpose: Hammertoe deformities are the most common pathology of the forefoot, accounting for up to 48% of all forefoot operations. There is currently limited evidence documenting differences in foot radiographs and radiographic measurements that may represent a predisposition to developing hammertoe deformity. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether patients with hammertoe deformity demonstrate increased radiographic measurements of first, second, or third metatarsal (MT) lengths as well as Meary’s angle compared to a healthy control group. Methods: Following IRB approval, an institutional radiology database was queried from January 2009-2018 for patients with ICD- 9 and ICD-10 diagnosis codes for hammertoe deformity of the 2nd or 3rd phalange. Control cases were selected using diagnosis codes for acute plantar fascial pain in the same timeframe with medical record review to exclude patients with prior lower extremity injury, surgery or pathology. 234 hammertoe and 110 control patients met inclusion and exclusion criteria. Automated 1:1 case-control matching was performed to control for age, sex and laterality. Following matching, the sample size consisted of 80 patients in each cohort. Proximal to distal end-to-end articular surface radiographic lengths were documented for metatarsals and phalanges of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd rays on anteroposterior radiographs. Lateral talar-first metatarsal (Meary’s) angle was measured using weightbearing sagittal radiographs by calculating the angle formed by lines that bisect the talar neck and anatomic neck of the first metatarsal. Results: A total of 160 patients (80 cases and 80 controls) were included in the study. Mean age was 47.7 years among hammertoe cases and 47.5 years among controls (p=0.92). 54 of 80 cases in each group were female. There was a statistically significant increase in the average Meary’s angle among hammertoe patients (5.23 +- 8.60°) compared to controls (2.15 +- 5.96°) (p<0.01). The average length for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd metatarsals were 65.6, 80.0, and 76.7 mm, respectively for the hammertoe patients and 62.8 mm, 76.0 mm, and 73.5 mm among control cases, respectively. For all three metatarsals, this difference was statistically significant (p<0.01; Table 1). There was no statistically significant difference between lengths of the proximal or distal phalanges. Conclusion: Patients with hammertoe deformity were associated with an increased length on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd metatarsals. Also, these patients demonstrated an increased Meary’s angle creating pes planus deformity. These results illustrate the importance of both medial column instability and long metatarsal length in the development of hammertoe deformity. [Table: see text]


2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 2473011417S0002
Author(s):  
Mackenzie Jones ◽  
Austin Sanders ◽  
Rachael Da Cunha ◽  
Elizabeth Cody ◽  
Carolyn Sofka ◽  
...  

Category: Midfoot/Forefoot Introduction/Purpose: While Metatarsus Primus Elevatus (MPE) has been implicated in the development of hallux rigidus, previous studies have presented conflicting findings regarding the relationship between an elevated first metatarsal and arthritis. This may be due to the variety of definitions for MPE and the radiographic measurement techniques that are used to assess it. The aim of this study was to examine the reliability of new radiographic measurements that take into account the elevation of the first metatarsal in relation to the proximal phalanx, rather than in relation to the second metatarsal as previously described, to assess for MPE. In addition, we aimed to determine whether the elevation of the first metatarsal was significantly different in hallux rigidus patients than in a control population. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted from prospectively collected registry data at the investigators’ institution to identify patients with hallux rigidus (n=65). A size matched control cohort of patients without evidence for first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint arthritis were identified (n=65). Patients with a previous history of foot surgery, rheumatoid arthritis, or hallux valgus were excluded. Five blinded raters of varying levels of training, including two research assistants, a senior orthopedic resident, a foot & ankle fellow, and an attending radiologist, evaluated seven radiographic measurements for their reliability in assessing for MPE in hallux rigidus and control groups. Four of the seven measurements were newly designed taking into account the relationship of the first MTP joint. Inter- and intrarater reliability were calculated using Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC) and categorized by Landis and Koch reliability thresholds. The measurements between the hallux rigidus and control populations were compared using an independent t-test. Results: Six of the seven radiographic measurements were found to have substantial to almost perfect interrater reliability (ICC=0.800 to 0.953) between all levels of training, except for the Proximal Phalanx-First Metatarsal Angle which showed moderate reliability (ICC=0.527) (Table). Substantial to almost perfect intrarater reliability (ICC=0.710-0.980) was demonstrated by the research assistants. Six of the seven measurements taken by the attending radiologist demonstrated significant differences in first metatarsal elevation between the hallux rigidus and control populations with the hallux rigidus group showing increased elevation (p=0.000-0.020). Only the First Metatarsal Elevation Angle failed to show a significant difference between the populations (p=0.368). However, the First Metatarsal Elevation Angle measurements of the research assistant and the senior orthopedic resident did show a significant difference between the two populations (p<0.050). Conclusion: This study confirmed the reliability of seven radiographic measurements used to assess for MPE, including three previously established and four newly described measurements. Observers across all levels of training were able to demonstrate reliable measurements. In addition, the measurements were used to show that hallux rigidus patients are more likely to have an elevated first metatarsal compared to patients without radiographic evidence for first MTP arthritis. These measurements could be used in future work to examine how the presence of MPE relates to the etiology and progression of hallux rigidus, and how it affects the results of operative treatment.


2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (6) ◽  
pp. 561-564
Author(s):  
Michael M. Hadeed ◽  
Ahmad H. Fashandi ◽  
Wendy Novicoff ◽  
Seth R. Yarboro

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 363-369 ◽  
Author(s):  
Trevor J. Shelton ◽  
Sohni Singh ◽  
Eduardo Bent Robinson ◽  
Lorenzo Nardo ◽  
Eva Escobedo ◽  
...  

Introduction: Clinical decisions are often made on weight-bearing radiographs. However, it is unknown whether various weight-bearing conditions alter specific radiographic measurements. The purpose of this study was to determine whether percentage weight-bearing influences radiographic measurements of the normal foot. Methods: A prospective study with 20 healthy individuals had radiographs of the foot under 5 weight-bearing conditions (non–weight-bearing, 10% body weight, 25% body weight, 50% body weight, and 100% body weight). Measurements were made of hallux valgus angle (HVA), 1-2 intermetatarsal angle (IMA), talonavicular coverage angle (TNCA), talocalcaneal angle (TCA), forefoot width, LisFranc distance, cuboid height to ground (CHG), and talo–first metatarsal angle (TMA) of each weight-bearing condition. Statistical differences of each measurement for each weight-bearing condition were determined. Results: The TNCA and TCA increased significantly, whereas the CHG decreased significantly with increased percentage body weight. There were no differences in HVA, IMA, forefoot width, LisFranc distance, and TMA with increased percentage body weight. Conclusions: This study shows an increase in TNCA and TCA, and decrease in CHG, demonstrating a flattening of the medial arch, increasing hindfoot valgus, and midfoot external rotation and abduction with increasing percentage body weight applied to a foot. Percentage weight-bearing does not change radiographs in the foot between 25% and 100% weight-bearing. The clinical relevance of this finding is that graduated postinjury or postoperative weight-bearing regimens may only be relevant if the patient is either less than or greater than 25% of body weight on their extremity. Levels of Evidence: Case Series, Level IV: Prospective


2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 2473011419S0016
Author(s):  
Connor Delman ◽  
Christopher Kreulen ◽  
Trevor Shelton ◽  
Brent Roster ◽  
Robert Boutin ◽  
...  

Category: Midfoot/Forefoot Introduction/Purpose: Controversy exists regarding the optimal treatment of Lisfranc injuries of the midfoot. There has been increasing interest in using a suture button device in lieu of traditional screw fixation. Biomechanical studies comparing screw fixation with suture button devices have demonstrated conflicting results. This study evaluates the radiographic outcomes of patients with Lisfranc injuries treated with a suture button device or a hybrid technique with supplemental fixation. Methods: Forty-three patients with a Lisfranc injury were treated operatively with either a suture button device (Tightrope, Arthrex, Naples, FL) or a hybrid technique with supplemental hardware fixation. The distances between the first and second metatarsal (M1-M2) and the medial cuneiform and second metatarsal (C1-M2) were measured on weightbearing radiographs. These measurements were used to assess the accuracy of reduction, maintenance of reduction, and magnitude of reduction. The accuracy of reduction was determined by comparing weightbearing AP radiographs of the uninjured foot with weightbearing radiographs of the operatively treated foot at 6 weeks postoperatively. The magnitude of reduction was assessed via a comparison of weightbearing AP radiographs of the injured foot preoperatively to the operatively treated foot at 6 weeks postoperatively. The maintenance of reduction was determined by comparing radiographic measurements at 6 weeks postoperatively to measurements taken at 12 weeks postoperatively. Results: An accurate reduction was obtained in both treatment groups with no significant difference in the M1-M2 and C1-M2 measurements at 6 weeks postoperatively compared to the uninjured foot. The magnitude of reduction was greater and statistically significant for the hybrid fixation group but was not maintained (Hybrid fixation M1-M2 magnitude of reduction: -1.39, p < .001; C1-M2 magnitude of reduction: -1.77, p < .001). The suture button treatment group attained a satisfactory reduction that was maintained with no statistically significant difference in the M1-M2 and C1-M2 distances at 6 weeks and 12 weeks postoperatively (Tightrope M1-M2 maintenance of reduction: 0.04, p=0.88; C1-M2 maintenance of reduction: 0.39, p=0.21). Conclusion: After open reduction of Lisfranc injuries, the suture button device appears to adequately maintain the reduction when patients have returned to full activity. Based on radiographic parameters, the suture button construct provides an effective alternative to traditional screw fixation for the treatment of Lisfranc injuries.


2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 247301141987568
Author(s):  
Mackenzie T. Jones ◽  
Austin E. Sanders ◽  
Rachael J. DaCunha ◽  
Elizabeth A. Cody ◽  
Carolyn M. Sofka ◽  
...  

Background: While metatarsus primus elevatus (MPE) has been implicated in the development of hallux rigidus, previous studies have presented conflicting findings regarding the relationship between MPE and arthritis. This may be due to the variety of definitions for MPE and the radiographic measurement techniques that are used to assess it. Additionally, previous studies have only assessed elevation of the first metatarsal with respect to the floor or the second metatarsal, and not with respect to the proximal phalanx. The aim of this study was to examine the reliability of new radiographic measurements that consider the elevation of the first metatarsal in relation to the proximal phalanx, rather than in relation to the second metatarsal as previously described, to assess for MPE. In addition, we aimed to determine whether the elevation of the first metatarsal was significantly different in patients with hallux rigidus than in a control population. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted from prospectively collected registry data at the investigators’ institution to identify patients with hallux rigidus ( n = 65). A size-matched control cohort of patients without evidence for first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint arthritis was identified ( n = 65). Patients with a previous history of foot surgery, rheumatoid arthritis, or hallux valgus were excluded. Five blinded raters of varying levels of training, including 2 research assistants, 1 senior orthopedic resident, 1 foot and ankle fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon, and 1 attending musculoskeletal fellowship-trained radiologist, evaluated 7 radiographic measurements for their reliability in assessing for MPE in hallux rigidus and control groups. Four of the 7 were newly designed measurements that include the relationship of the first MTP joint. Inter- and intrarater reliability were calculated using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and categorized by Landis and Koch reliability thresholds. The measurements between the hallux rigidus and control populations were compared using an independent t test. Results: Six of the 7 radiographic measurements were found to have substantial to almost perfect interrater reliability (ICC, 0.800-0.953) between all levels of training, except for the proximal phalanx–first metatarsal angle, which showed moderate reliability (ICC, 0.527). Substantial to almost perfect intrarater reliability (ICC, 0.710-0.982) was demonstrated by the measurements performed by research assistants. All 7 of the measurements taken by the musculoskeletal fellowship-trained radiologist demonstrated significant differences in first metatarsal elevation between the hallux rigidus and control populations, with the hallux rigidus group showing increased elevation ( P < .001-.019). Conclusion: This study confirmed the reliability of 7 radiographic measurements used to assess for MPE, including 3 previously established and 4 newly described measurements. Observers across all levels of training were able to demonstrate reliable measurements. In addition, the measurements were used to show that patients with hallux rigidus were more likely to have MPE compared with patients without radiographic evidence for first MTP arthritis. These measurements could be used in future work to examine how the presence of MPE relates to the etiology and progression of hallux rigidus, and how it affects the results of operative treatment. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative study.


2009 ◽  
Vol 30 (9) ◽  
pp. 865-872 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul S. Shurnas ◽  
Troy S. Watson ◽  
Timothy W. Crislip

Background: Many surgical procedures have been described for the correction of metatarsus primus varus associated with hallux valgus deformity. The purpose of this study was to present the results of the proximal metatarsal opening wedge (PMOW) osteotomy using the Arthrex LPS® first metatarsal system. Materials and Methods: Eighty-four patients (90 feet) underwent PMOW osteotomy with distal bunionectomy. There were 78 patients (93%) and 84 (93%) feet available for followup. Mean followup was 2.4 (range, 2.0 to 3.2) years from the time of the index surgery. Pre- and postoperative clinical examination, level of activity, patient derived subjective satisfaction score, radiographic measurements, and visual analogue scale (VAS) score for pain were obtained and evaluated retrospectively. Results: The mean preoperative VAS score was 5.9 (± 2.2), compared with a mean postoperative score of 0.5 (± 0.8). The mean 1–2 IMA preoperatively was 14.5 (±3.3) degrees, compared with postoperative measurements of 4.6 (± 2.8) degrees. The mean hallux valgus angle (HVA) improved from a mean of 30 (range, 22 to 64) degrees preoperatively to 10 (range, −15 to +18) degrees. The mean time to radiographic union was 5.9 (range, 4 to 14) weeks. There was one nonunion, one delayed union, mild hallux varus in two patients, severe hallux varus in two patients, recurrent hallux valgus in three patients (including the nonunion) and no instances of plate failure there was no significant difference in mean preoperative (74.8 degrees ± 11) compared to postoperative (67.9 degrees ± 10) total MTP joint range of motion. Ninety percent of patients reported good to excellent subjective results after the index surgery. Conclusion: We believe PMOW osteotomy was near ideal in terms of reliable, predictable correction and healing. Length of the first metatarsal was maintained and patients ambulated safely in a CAM walking boot immediately after surgery. We believe a first web space release may result in hallux varus and increased distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA) was associated with hallux valgus recurrence. Level of Evidence: IV, Retrospective Case Series


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