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Coronal plane rotation of the first metatarsal
C L Saltzman1, E A Brandser, C M Anderson
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, USA.
Foot & Ankle International
|March 1, 1996
Summary
This study introduces a reliable method for measuring first metatarsal rotation using weightbearing radiographs. The technique accurately assesses rotation in both hallux valgus patients and controls, proving valuable for foot and ankle assessments.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Radiology
- Biomechanics
Background:
- First metatarsal rotation is a key factor in foot biomechanics.
- Accurate measurement of this rotation is crucial for diagnosing and managing foot conditions like hallux valgus.
- Existing methods may lack reliability or precision.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe and validate a novel method for measuring first metatarsal rotation on weightbearing tangential radiographs.
- To assess the reliability and accuracy of this measurement technique in controlled cadaveric and clinical settings.
Main Methods:
- A controlled study using cadaver specimens to evaluate the sensitivity of the method to known rotational changes.
- A clinical study involving 30 hallux valgus patients and 30 control subjects to assess inter-rater and intra-rater reliability.
- Radiographic measurements included first metatarsal rotation on tangential views and standard angles (first metatarsophalangeal and intermetatarsal 1-2) on AP views.
Main Results:
- Cadaveric studies showed a mean radiographic rotation change of 5.4 degrees for every 5-degree actual rotation.
- High reliability was observed in clinical populations (r = 0.93 for hallux valgus, r = 0.95 for controls).
- No significant difference in mean first metatarsal rotation was found between hallux valgus and control groups, nor was there a correlation with standard hallux valgus radiographic parameters.
Conclusions:
- The described method provides a reliable and accurate means of measuring first metatarsal rotation on weightbearing tangential radiographs.
- This technique can be effectively applied to both hallux valgus and control populations.
- First metatarsal rotation, as measured by this method, does not appear to correlate with the severity of hallux valgus or intermetatarsal angle in the studied groups.