Morphology of the first metatarsal head as a risk factor for hallux valgus interphalangeus

Stephanus Johannes van Deventer; Andrew Strydom; Nikiforos Pandelis Saragas; Paulo Norberto Faria Ferrao

doi:10.1016/j.fas.2018.12.004

Morphology of the first metatarsal head as a risk factor for hallux valgus interphalangeus

Foot Ankle Surg. 2020 Jan;26(1):105-109. doi: 10.1016/j.fas.2018.12.004. Epub 2018 Dec 24.

Authors

Stephanus Johannes van Deventer¹, Andrew Strydom², Nikiforos Pandelis Saragas³, Paulo Norberto Faria Ferrao³

Affiliations

¹ The Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Unit, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. Electronic address: phaanvandeventer@gmail.com.
² The Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Unit, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Netcare Sunninghill Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa. Electronic address: drewstrydom@hotmail.com.
³ The Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Unit, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; The Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Unit, Netcare Linksfield Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa.

PMID: 30630719
DOI: 10.1016/j.fas.2018.12.004

Abstract

Background: The aetiology of hallux valgus interphalangeus (HVI) is not well understood. First metatarsophalangeal joint stability, influenced by first metatarsal head shape, may be linked to HVI. We hypothesised that first metatarsal head shape is a risk factor for HVI. No published article could be found in the literature investigating this hypothesis.

Methods: 127 standardised foot radiographs were analysed retrospectively. The hallux valgus angle (HVA) and interphalangeus angle (IPA) were measured. The first metatarsal head shape was divided into chevron, round and flat groups. Statistical analysis was then performed to investigate the relationship between first metatarsal head shape and the occurrence of HVI.

Results: There was no statistically significant relationship between first metatarsal head shape and the occurrence of HVI. There was however a negative relationship between HVA and HVI.

Conclusions: The morphology of the first metatarsal head does not seem to be a risk factor for HVI. A known negative relationship between HVA and IPA is reinforced.

Level of evidence: Level III, retrospective cohort.

Keywords: First metatarsal head shape; Hallux valgus; Hallux valgus interphalangeus.

Publication types

Comparative Study

MeSH terms

Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Female
Hallux Valgus / diagnosis
Hallux Valgus / etiology*
Hallux Valgus / surgery
Humans
Male
Metatarsal Bones / diagnostic imaging*
Metatarsal Bones / surgery
Middle Aged
Orthopedic Procedures / methods*
Radiography
Retrospective Studies
Risk Factors
Young Adult