Reproducibility and Reliability of the Radiographic Angles Used to Assess Tailor's Bunions

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Radiology
• Podiatry

Background:

• Tailor's bunion (bunionette) is a prevalent lateral forefoot deformity.
• Radiographic angular measurements are crucial for assessing bunionette severity.
• The reliability and reproducibility of these measurements require investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the reliability and reproducibility of radiographic angular measurements used for tailor's bunion assessment.
• To compare the reliability of different angular measurements, including traditional and modified versions.

Main Methods:

• Thirty weightbearing dorsoplantar digital radiographs of pathologic feet were analyzed.
• Six clinicians measured three angles: fourth to fifth intermetatarsal, lateral deviation, and fifth metatarsophalangeal.
• Measurements were repeated to assess intrarater and interrater reliability using intraclass correlation coefficients.

Main Results:

• Intrarater reliability varied among the angles, with the fifth metatarsophalangeal angle being the most reliable.
• The lateral deviation angle demonstrated the lowest intrarater reliability.
• Traditional fourth to fifth intermetatarsal angle measurements were more reliable than modified versions; interrater findings mirrored intrarater results.

Conclusions:

• Accurate radiographic assessment is vital for surgical planning in tailor's bunion cases.
• Understanding the relative reliability of these angular measurements can improve preoperative planning.
• This knowledge may assist in selecting appropriate surgical procedures for bunionette deformities.