Dynamic First Tarsometatarsal Instability During Gait Evaluated by Pedobarographic Examination in Patients With Hallux Valgus

First tarsometatarsal joint mobility in hallux valgus during gait: A synchronized ultrasound and three-dimensional motion capture analysis

PURPOSE

To quantify the vertical translation between the first metatarsal and medial cuneiform during the stance phase of gait in young individuals with and without hallux valgus.

DESIGN

This cross-sectional observational study included 34 young adults (male, n = 4; female, n = 30) who were divided into three groups according to the hallux valgus angle: control (< 20°, n = 13), mild hallux valgus (≥ 20° to < 30°, n = 12), and moderate hallux valgus (≥ 30°, n = 9). The mobility of the first tarsometatarsal joint was evaluated during the stance phase using B-mode ultrasound synchronized with a motion analysis system.

RESULTS

The medial cuneiform shifted more plantar during the early phase in mild hallux valgus and during the middle and terminal phases in moderate hallux valgus than in control. The severity of the hallux valgus was correlated with a trend toward plantar shift of the medial cuneiform. The first metatarsal was located more dorsal than the medial cuneiform; however, there was no significant variation. No significant differences in the peak ankle plantarflexion angle and moment were noted between the groups.

CONCLUSION

The hypermobility of the first tarsometatarsal joint, especially plantar displacement of the medial cuneiform in the sagittal plane, was found in young individuals with hallux valgus during the stance phase of gait, and the mobility increased with the severity of hallux valgus. Our findings suggest the significance of preventing hallux valgus deformity early in life.

Radiographic measurements have limited effect in dynamic plantar pressures in hallux valgus patients

PURPOSE

Radiographic measurements are the gold standard in the management for preoperative surgical planning of hallux valgus deformity. Plantar pressure technology is a tool that is not commonly used to evaluate and manage hallux valgus patients, and few studies have reported the correlation of plantar pressure measurements and radiography.

METHODS

A prospective cohort study was designed to analyze plantar pressure measurements and radiographic variables. The inclusion criteria were age over 18 years old, and diagnosis of hallux valgus requesting surgical correction because of discomfort, pain or difficulty with shoe wear. Plantar pressure measurements were performed using a platform. Radiographic data were obtained according to the guidelines of the AOFAS Committee on Angular Measurements.

RESULTS

A total of 114 patients met the inclusion criteria. Mean age of the patients was 50 years, and 94 patients (82.5%) were women. We found significant correlations between dynamic plantar pressure measurements and HVA, DMAA, and MDA. Mean pressure under third metatarsal head was the most associated plantar pressure measurement with hallux valgus angle and metatarsal declination angle. However, this association showed signs of weakness.

CONCLUSION

Hallux valgus angle and metatarsal declination angle had a minimal influence on plantar-loading parameters. Pressure values did not discriminate the magnitude of HV deformity. Others factors responsible for the observed plantar pressures pattern should be addressed.

Classification of Hallucal Sesamoid Bone Correlated with Hallux Valgus Severity

The hallucal sesamoid bones (HSBs), having an important role in reducing load per unit area on the first metatarsal head, can be injured commonly which also affected the first metatarsophalangeal joint and the surrounding structure. Meanwhile, differences among each HSB type may be a major factor affecting the occurrence and development of HV. So far, many researchers had learned that there are three different conditions in hallucal sesamoid bone affecting the choice of clinical surgery corresponding to different solutions in clinic. Thus, it is necessary to study the anatomical morphological characteristics of the HSB which can be helpful in clinical diagnosis and treatment, especially hallux valgus (HV). 150 X-ray and three-dimensional (3D) computed tomographic (CT) images consist of 72 left and 78 right metatarsals were applied in this anatomic study between two variables and showed by a simple scatter plot. The first metatarsophalangeal joint is divided into four different types: type I (no HSB, 1.3%), type II (with one HSB, 0.07%), type IIIa (with two HSBs when THB is bigger, 28%), type IIIb (with two HSBs when FHB is bigger, 65.3%), and type IV (with three HSBs, 4.7%). There was no statistical difference between the left and right sides, except HVA, Meary, and pitch (P < 0.05); all a, b, c, d, and i have statistical difference between male and female (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, HVA and IMA and HVA and type group have a significant correlation. In summary, HVA and IMA and HVA and classification of HSBs have significant correlations. The classification and location of HSBs can be an important basis to choose operation methods and postoperation evaluation.