Aims: Degradation of articular cartilage in gonarthritis seems to be modiþable pharmacologically. For these to be helpful, early diagnosis is essential. Weight bearing radiograms obtained at various degrees of ßexion, have shown to provide more information about joint space narrowing (JSN). Methods: Between March and November 2001, 28 consecutive patients whom have been admitted to hospital for knee surgery due to knee osteoarthritis, enrolled for study. Their mean age was 57.5 years (in range of 35–78). Extension weight bearing A/P, lateral and tangential views were made on standard examinations. 30û Flexion standing P/A, and at 45û ßexion standing P/A knee xÐrays were made with the consent of patient. Surgical þndings of the cartilage (Outerbridge classiþcation) were compared with radiological þndings. Results: The statistical evaluations revealed that there is no signiþcant correlation between JSN and observed clinical osteoarthritis level at MFC, LFC, and LTP. A signiþcant correlation was found between the degree of JSN measured at weight-bearing A/P, 30û ßexion P/A and 45û ßexion P/A radiographs and the degree of cartilage degradation at MTP (p< 0.05). The semifelxion radiograms were found to demonstrate Conclusions: Radiograms taken at weight-bearing semißexed positions are more effective than standing A/P knee x-rays, in demonstrating the JSN, and JSN þnding is associated only with the medial compartment gon-arthritis. We concluded that the degree of ßexion (30û–45û) during radiographic examination is not an important factor and for the evaluation of the lateral compartment new positions should be deþned.

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.