Radiographic values of the adult foot in a standardized population

Abstract

Radiographic angular measurements are commonly used in decision making in adult foot and ankle surgery. Unfortunately, there are few controlled studies available to substantiate comprehensive radiographic values in the adult foot. The purpose of this study was to determine the values of a variety of radiographic measurements of the adult foot in a standardized population. A total of 100 participants, 50 men and 50 women (200 feet), were evaluated. Individuals with a history of foot/ankle pain, previous foot/ankle operation or fracture, or a history of systemic disease were excluded from the study. Bilateral weight-bearing digital anterior-posterior and lateral radiographs were taken using a standardized method. In all, 21 measurements were made in the anterior-posterior view and 9 in the lateral view for a total of 6000 measurements. Some traditional measurement techniques of selected angles were found to be not consistently reproducible and alternative consistently reproducible techniques are described. Results are given in table form for maximum, minimum, average, median, and SD. Left and right foot maximum, minimum, and average differences were determined. Differences were also briefly explored for age and sex.