ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to find out the normal angles of forefoot for diagnosis of bunionette deformity in Korea. This would be helpful as it would provide a basic angular measurement of bunionette deformity that indicates the need for operation. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Within a period of four months from January 2007 to April 2007. We have established 300 males and 600 feet without trauma history of foot. The source to image distance is 40 inches and erect weight bearing radiographs are obtained in anteroposterior and lateral projections. The significant angular measurements that define a bunionette deformity are the fourth-fifth intermetatarsal angle, the fifth metatarsophalangeal angle RESULTS:The mean age was 21 years(19-22 years) old. The mean 4th-5th intermetatarsal angle was 9.4+/-4.7 degrees , the mean 5th metatarsophalangeal angle was 7.9+/-9.2 degrees . CONCLUSION: We can consider over the 14.1 degrees on the 4th-5th intermetatarsal angle and over 17.1 degrees on the 5th metatarsophalangeal angle as an operational indication.