ABSTRACT
The authors investigated the effect of x-ray tube head angulation and central ray direction on the position of the first metatarsal relative to the second metatarsal in the lateral foot radiographic view. This preliminary study shows that these variables may influence the perception of metatarsus primus elevatus in the weightbearing lateral foot radiograph.
Subject(s)
Foot Diseases/diagnostic imaging , Foot/diagnostic imaging , Metatarsal Bones/diagnostic imaging , Humans , Metatarsal Bones/physiology , Metatarsal Bones/physiopathology , Models, Structural , Podiatry/methods , Radiography/methods , Random Allocation , Reproducibility of Results , Research Design/standards , Weight-BearingABSTRACT
The plantar aponeurosis is a ligamentous structure that extends from the calcaneus to the proximal phalanges. Under tension, it functions to support the longitudinal arch, supinate the rearfoot, and stabilize the digits against the ground. The anatomy and biomechanics of the plantar fascia and plantar aponeurosis, particularly their role in digital stabilization, are reviewed. A case is presented showing a patient who developed hammer toes as a postoperative complication after having a portion of the plantar aponeurosis removed.
