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Published on: November 9, 2018
Cross-sectional study to evaluate radiological parameters in hallux rigidus.
1Division of Podiatry, School of Health, The University of Northampton, Park Campus, Boughton Green Road, Northampton NN2 7AL, UK. paul.beeson@northampton.ac.uk
Foot (Edinburgh, Scotland)
|March 24, 2010
Summary
Hallux rigidus (HR) is linked to female sex, older age, and specific foot deformities like flat metatarsal heads and increased hallux abductus interphalangeus angle. Further research is needed to validate radiological parameters for HR classification.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Radiology
- Podiatry
Background:
- Hallux rigidus (HR) is a prevalent degenerative joint condition affecting the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint.
- Radiographic imaging is crucial for assessing HR pathology, grading joint degeneration, and guiding treatment decisions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and characterize radiological foot parameters in patients diagnosed with Hallux rigidus.
- To identify potential correlations between specific radiographic findings and the presence or severity of HR.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 110 subjects (180 feet) aged 18-70 years with Hallux rigidus.
- Standard weight-bearing dorsal plantar and lateral view X-rays were analyzed for various foot parameters.
Main Results:
- Bilateral HR was observed in 64% of subjects, with 66% being female. Mean onset was 44 years, and median HR duration was 6 years.
- Common findings included flat or chevron-shaped metatarsal heads (73%), increased hallux abductus interphalangeus angle (HAI) (74%), abnormal sesamoid morphology (65%), and a longer first metatarsal (73% longer than the third).
- Significant correlations were found between MTP joint narrowing and sclerosis (r=0.76, p=0.01) and between increased HAI and MTP joint narrowing (r=0.34, p=0.01).
Conclusions:
- Hallux rigidus is associated with female gender, bilateral presentation, older age, specific metatarsal head shapes, and increased HAI degrees.
- A longer first metatarsal relative to the third may contribute to altered forefoot function in HR.
- Radiological parameters require formal research to establish content validity for inclusion in HR classification systems.