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Published on: February 17, 2018
Medial deviation of the first metatarsal in incipient hallux valgus deformity
Pedro V Munuera1, Gabriel Dominguez, Juan Polo
1University of Seville, Podiatry, C/Avicena, s/n, Seville, Seville 41009, Spain. pmunuera@us.es
Background:
The aim of this study was to determine whether excessive medial deviation of the first metatarsal (excessive intermetatarsal angle) is present in the initial phase of hallux valgus.
Methods:
The intermetatarsal angle between the first and second metatarsals (1-2 IMA) was radiographically studied in 49 normal feet and in 49 feet with mild hallux valgus deformity.
Results:
The results demonstrated a statistically significant difference in the mean intermetatarsal angle between the two groups (8.76 degrees in normal feet; 9.98 degrees in affected feet). However, we believe that is not clinically significant. Other authors, comparing the 1-2 IMA in patients with or without more advanced hallux valgus, reported greater differences than those obtained in this study.
Conclusions:
Excessive medial deviation of the first metatarsal is not a causal factor but rather a consequence of hallux valgus deformity.
