Understanding hallux valgus deformity: what the surgeon wants to know from the conventional radiograph.

Hallux valgus deformity is a common and a significant source of symptoms. It can interfere with daily activities and affects the quality of life of many people. Imaging evaluation is performed almost exclusively by conventional radiography and systematic evaluation of the conventional radiograph can provide the clinician with the necessary information to choose the correct surgical procedure.

Variation of the distal metatarsal articular angle with axial rotation and inclination of the first metatarsal.

Background: The distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA) is a radiographic measure of the orientation of the first metatarsal articular surface. There is debate with regards to the accuracy, reproducibility, and validity of measurement of the DMAA in the literature. This study aimed to test the validity of the measurement of the DMAA from standard radiographs, to explore the trigonometric relationship of the first metatarsal rotation and the DMAA, and to assess interobserver reliability.