Radiographic measurement of hallux valgus in the rheumatoid arthritic foot.

OBJECTIVE

To develop a method which is objective and quantifiable, as well as reliable and valid for measuring the severity and progression of hallux valgus deformity (HVD). HVD is defined as an increase in the hallux abductus angle (HAA).

METHODS

HAA drawn on plain anterioposterior radiographs of the foot was measured in 94 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The intra and interrater reliability were analyzed.

RESULTS

Findings were significant with interclass correlation coefficients ranging from 0.9 to 0.99. Detection of changes in HAA using this method were comparable to the judgment of a panel of experienced clinicians.

CONCLUSION

This method is useful in detecting progression of HVD.