Analysis of dynamic angle of gait and radiographic features in subjects with hallux abducto valgus and hallux limitus.

Background: Hallux abducto valgus and hallux limitus are two commonly encountered foot deformities causing altered structure and function of the first metatarsophalangeal joint and subsequent compensatory mechanisms. This study was undertaken to determine the relationships between these two deformities and transverse plane position of the foot, or angle of gait, and several radiographic angular and linear parameters with established reliability.

Methods: A convenience sample of 23 subjects with hallux abducto valgus, 22 subjects with hallux limitus, and 20 control subjects was used.

Radiographic investigation of angular and linear measurements including first metatarsophalangeal joint dorsiflexion and rearfoot to forefoot axis angle.

This study investigated intra- and inter-rater reliability of several radiographic angular and linear parameters using 6 subjects. Using standard weight-bearing radiographs, the following measurements were performed: first metatarsal protrusion distance, hallux abductus, first intermetatarsal, calcaneal inclination and lateral intermetatarsal angles. Measurement of lateral stressed dorsiflexion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint and the rearfoot-to-forefoot-axis angle taken using a composite view were also obtained.