Various radiographic measurements of the normal adult foot have been reported in both early and recent literature; however, a complete description of radiographic quantitative data has yet to be reported. The purpose of this study is to describe the range of the normal foot using standard radiographic techniques that can be applied to the clinical setting. This should provide the data necessary for the accurate interpretation of foot radiographs. This study demonstrates the wide variation in bony relationships of the normal adult foot. When certain recognized criteria of radiographic measurements were evaluated, some were found to be defined as too narrow or inaccurate. Most importantly, because of this wide range, surgical procedures to produce radiographic homogeneity are not indicated. Treatment should be directed specifically toward areas of pain and not radiographic appearance.

Although operative treatment was very effective in allowing patients to return to work, only half of our patients were able to return to sports at an average followup of 31 months.

This study validates the use of computer-assisted angle measurement on digital radiographs for assessment of HV and 1-2 IM angles. Computerized measurement may result in more reliable readings because it eliminates the error inherent with use of a goniometer and facilitates adjustment of radiographic lines on the computer to ensure correct alignment.

No abstract