title: Comparison of radiographic and anatomic distal metatarsal articular angle in cadaver feet.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  A few studies report correlations between radiographic and anatomic measurements of the distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA). However, little is known about how the DMAA correlates with the hallux valgus angle (HVA) and with anatomic and clinical radiographic measurements.
  
  
  METHODS
  We dissected, measured, and radiographed 39 cadaveric feet for evidence of hallux valgus and the DMAA. We then correlated these values with paired clinical radiographic measurements made by physician evaluators.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Physician measurement of DMAA and anatomic measurement of DMAA were significantly correlated with a mean r = 0.64 (evaluator range, 0.44-0.66). Pairwise correlation between physician evaluators ranged from r = 0.63 to 0.84. Sixty-six percent of physician-measured DMAAs were within 5 degrees of anatomic DMAA.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The percentage of radiographic DMAAs that were within 5 degrees of anatomic DMAAs was only 66%. Additionally, the DMAA was increased in the specimens with moderate and severe hallux valgus compared with those with normal or mild hallux valgus angles.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The DMAA is an important consideration in patients with hallux valgus. While it is less reliable than other radiographic measures, it was correlated to deformity severity in specimen with hallux valgus.
authors: Saint Alphonsus Coughlin Foot & Ankle Clinic, Boise, Idaho.
authors: James R
authors: JR
authors: Jastifer
authors: Michael J
authors: MJ
authors: Coughlin
authors: Shane
authors: S
authors: Schutt
authors: Christopher
authors: C
authors: Hirose
authors: Michael
authors: M
authors: Kennedy
authors: Brett
authors: B
authors: Grebing
authors: Bertil
authors: B
authors: Smith
authors: Truitt
authors: T
authors: Cooper
authors: Pau
authors: P
authors: Golano
authors: Ramon
authors: R
authors: Viladot
authors: Jesse F
authors: JF
authors: Doty
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002102:Cadaver; D005260:Female; D006215:Hallux Valgus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008682:Metatarsal Bones / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography
keywords: correlation; distal metatarsal articular angle; hallux valgus; radiographs