Volumetric relationships of foot bones and the role of the talus in hallux valgus

OpenAlex İngilizce

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the foot as a whole, to compare the foot bones in terms of volume, and investigate the role of the foot bones in the formation of hallux valgus (HV). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between February 2024 and September 2024, a total of 21 patients (6 males, 15 females; mean age: 29.04 ± 5.21 years; range, 19 to 38 years) with an HVA of ≥ 30° and intermetatarsal angle (IMA) of ≥ 13° were included in this prospective study. The control group consisted of 18 patients (5 males, 13 females; mean age: 28.94 ± 5.56 years; range, 20 to 39 years) with an HVA of < 15°. Computed tomography (CT) images were uploaded to the 3D Slicer program, and the volumes of the foot bones were measured and calculated as percentages. RESULTS: metatarsal)/medial cuneiform (d = 0.82; 95% CI 0.20-1.52) were found to be significantly higher in the HV group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Although genetic factors are widely considered to play a key role in HV development, we propose that the process originates more proximally, most likely at the level of the talus. Based on our study results, we conclude that an increase in talar volume may lead to a compensatory reduction in the volumes of the cuboid and medial cuneiform bones, initiating a sequence in which soft-tissue forces contribute to progressive pronation of the first metatarsal, ultimately resulting in HV.