Measurement of the first/second intermetatarsal angle following proximal oblique metatarsal osteotomy

The radiographs of 21 consecutive patients who had undergone proximal oblique metatarsal osteotomy were reviewed. The first/second intermetatarsal and MP angles were measured before and after surgery using two different well-described methods. Values for each patient using the Hardy and Clapham and center-of-head methods were compared using a paired t-test. The degrees of angular correction obtained for the first/second intermetatarsal angle and MP joint were significantly different on the same foot as measured by the two different methods. Although we cannot choose between these two methods on the basis of this study, we hope to call attention to the discrepancy and urge readers to be cautious in comparing the results of studies until consensus may be reached regarding standard measurement of radiographic results.