ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the radiological characteristics of the osteoarthritis of the second metatarsophalangeal (MTP) and tarsometatarsal (TMT) joint. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2002 and August 2010, 27 patients (33 feet) who had second metatarsal osteoarthritis (OA) were reviewed retrospectively. Group 1 was 14 patients (17 feet) with second MTP joint OA. Group 2 was 13 patients (16 feet) with second TMT joint OA. Group 3 was 24 patients (25 feet) had hallux valgus without second metatarsal (MT) OA as control. Weight bearing foot anteroposterior (AP) and lateral view were checked, and measured hallux valgus angle, metatarsus adductus angle (MAA), second MT functional length, first and second MT length by Hardy & Clapham method on AP view, angle of second MT with horizontal plane, calcaneal pitch, talo-first MT on lateral view. RESULTS: On weight bearing foot AP view, second MT functional length of group 1, 2, 3 was 2.4 mm, -0.1 mm, 0.7 mm and MAA of group 1, 2, 3 was 17.7degrees, 17.7degrees, 14.5degrees. Second MT functional length of group 1 was longer than control group and it was statistically significant. MAA was significant different between group 1-3 and group 2-3. Angle of second MT with horizontal plane of group 2 was smaller than control group and it was statistically significant. Other radiographic parameters have no statistical significance. CONCLUSION: Group 1 has long functional length of second MT and group 2 has small angle of second MT with horizontal plane.