Medial deviation of the first metatarsal in incipient hallux valgus deformity

Abstract

The intermetatarsal angle between metatarsals I and II (IMA 1-2) has been radiographicaly studied in 49 normal feet and in 49 feet with a mild hallux valgus (HV) deformity. The aim of the study is to know whether an excessive medial deviation of the first metatarsal with respect to II (IMA 1-2 over normal values reported by some authors) is present in the initial phase of HV. The results demonstrate that the difference in the mean intermetatarsal angle between the two groups is statistically significant (8.76º in normal feet; 9.98º in affected feet). However, the authors think it is not clinically significant. Other authors, comparing the IMA 1-2 in patients with more advanced HV and without HV, report greater differences than those obtained in this study,. The authors conclude that the excessive medial deviation of the first metatarsal is not a causal factor, but a consequence, in the HV deformity.