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Length of the first metatarsal and hallux in hallux valgus in the initial stage

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Abstract

The aim of this study was to confirm whether the length of the first metatarsal and the length of the hallux are greater than normal in the initial phase of the hallux valgus deformity. In a sample of 152 radiographs (98 of normal feet and 54 of incipient hallux valgus feet), the length of the first metatarsal and the hallux was measured according to methods previously described. Comparisons were made between normal and hallux valgus feet, and between male and female feet. The results show significant differences between the two groups in the first metatarsal (P  <  0.0001) and hallux (P < 0.001). In the male feet, these differences are more marked (when comparing the length of the hallux between the female hallux valgus feet and the female normal feet, P > 0.05). This indicates that in men with hallux valgus, the excess in length of the first metatarso-digital segment is greater than in women that develop this deformity, at least in its initial phase. According to these results, the size of the first metatarso-digital segment could be involved in the development of the hallux valgus deformity.

Résumé

Le but de cette étude est de confirmer l’excès de longueur du premier métatarsiens et du gros orteil lors de la survenue d’une déformation en hallux valgus. Cent cinquante-deux radiographies ont été analysées, 98 pieds normaux, 54 pieds présentant un début d’hallux valgus. La longueur du premier métatarsien et de l’hallux ont été mesurées et la comparaison a été réalisée entre les deux variétés de pieds, et entre les hommes et les femmes. Les résultats de cette étude montrent qu’il existe une différence significative entre les deux groupes P < 0.0001 pour le premier métatarsien et p < 0.001 pour la longueur du gros orteil. Cette différence est beaucoup plus marquée chez l’homme que chez la femme. Cette étude montre donc que chez l’homme présentant un hallux valgus, l’excès de longueur du premier métatarsien et du gros orteil sont plus importants que chez la femme, au moins au début de la déformation. Ceci doit être pris en compte lors de la survenue d’un Hallux Valgus.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Podiatrics, University of Seville, Centro Docente de Fisioterapia y Podología, C/ Avicena s/n., 41009, Sevilla, Spain

    Pedro V. Munuera

  2. Department of Socio-Health Sciences, University of Seville, Facultad de Medicina, Dpto de Ciencias socio-sanitarias, Avda. Sánchez Pizjuán s/n., 41009, Sevilla, Spain

    Juan Polo

  3. Department of Physiotherapy, University of Seville, Centro Docente de Fisioterapia y Podología, C/ Avicena s/n., 41009, Sevilla, Spain

    Jesús Rebollo

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  1. Pedro V. Munuera
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  2. Juan Polo
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  3. Jesús Rebollo
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Correspondence to Pedro V. Munuera.

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Munuera, P.V., Polo, J. & Rebollo, J. Length of the first metatarsal and hallux in hallux valgus in the initial stage. International Orthopaedics (SICO 32, 489–495 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-007-0350-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-007-0350-9

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