title: Evaluation and biomechanics of the first ray in the patient with limited motion.
abstract: Adequate first ray function is essential to healthy human gait. Controversies still exist about aspects of human structure and function and many newer answers and theories have been proposed by a new generation of experts. Examples include the sagittal plane facilitation, tissue stress, and preferred movement pathway theories. This article also presents a summary of how to provide a thorough, detailed, and accurate first ray examination on the individual with limited motion. This article explores functional first ray mechanics in both a theoretic and biomechanical perspective, as well as a practical, hands-on examination perspective.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Cleveland Clinic Foundation/Kaiser Permanente Residency Program, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Desk A40, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA. hildg@ccf.org
authors.forename: Gina A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Hild
authors.forename: Patrick J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: McKee
mesh_terms: D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D020857:Hallux Limitus / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008683:Metatarsophalangeal Joint / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D010808:Physical Examination; D011859:Radiography