Abstract
Aims: The weight distribution pattern of the metatarsal heads has been a controversial issue in orthopaedics. In this study, we have investigated the weight distribution pattern of the metatarsal heads and their relationship between static radiographic measurements. Methods: Both feet of 60 healthy young volunteer subjects were examined. Forefoot pressures were recorded by using EMED-SF (Novel, Germany). The mean and peak pressures of the metatarsal heads were recorded during the midstance and push-off phases of the gait cycle. From the AP and lateral radiogram we have determined the metatarsal index, Morton and Stokes ratios, talometa-tarsal and talohorizontal angles. Results: The peak and mean pressures of þrst and second metatarsals during push off and mid stance phases of the gait cycle was found to be correlated with metatarsal index and Mortonñs ratios. There was no correlation between the pressure difference of þrst and second metatarsals and the static radiographic parameters. Discussion: The relative length ratios of the þrst and second metatarsal lengths are considered mostly for the different metatarsal pressure patterns. In this study although we have found that the pressure under the þrst metatarsal head was related with the static measurements, the difference between þrst and second metatarsal pressures was not found to be correlated with static measures. We concluded that the pressure difference of second and þrst metatarsal heads could not be simply determined using static measurements from the radiograms of the foot.
Theses abstracts were prepared by Professor Dr. Frantz Langlais. Correspondence should be addressed to him at EFORT Central Office, Freihofstrasse 22, CH-8700 Küsnacht, Switzerland.
