ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to analyze the measurement differences of simple radiographs according to radiation projection angle using a phantom and to propose methods for objective analysis of simple radiographs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We took simple radiographs with different projection angles using a C-arm image intensifier and measured five parameters of the foot on the simple radiographic images. Five parameters include lateral tibiocalcaneal angle, lateral talocalcaneal angle, naviculocuboid overlap, lateral talo-first metatarsal angle, and lateral calcaneo-first metatarsal angle. Intraobserver and interobserver reliability were verified, and then intraclass correlations of parameters were analyzed. RESULTS: Radiographic parameters of the foot showed high intraobserver and interobserver reliability. Lateral tibiocalcaneal angle has a strong negative linear relationship with rotation and a moderate negative linear relationship with tilt. Lateral talocalcaneal angle has a moderate positive linear relationship with rotation and a strong positive linear relationship with tilt. Naviculocuboid overlap has a strong positive linear relationship with rotation and a moderate positive linear relationship with tilt. Lateral talo-first metatarsal angle does not have a linear relationship with rotation and a moderate negative linear relationship with tilt. Lateral calcaneo-first metatarsal angle has a moderate positive linear relationship with rotation and tilt. CONCLUSION: More precise evaluation of the foot with a simple radiograph can be performed by understanding the changes of radiographic parameters according to radiation projection angle.