ORCID
0009-0000-9321-8962
Document Type
Poster
Abstract
Purpose: To assess the difference in metatarsus angles (modified Sgarlato’s angle and modified Engel’s angle) when radiographs of same foot are evaluated as a single foot radiograph with central beam directed over the midfoot as compared to both feet on same radiograph with central beam directed between the two feet.
Methods: Forty-nine pairs of feet were assessed radiographically with one unilateral anterior-posterior (AP) image and one bilateral AP image. The images were uploaded into a custom-made MATLAB® script to mimic radiology software to measure the metatarsus adductus angles on each image.
Results: The modified Sgarlato’s angle was significantly different in the comparison, being on average 2.19°greater on the bilateral images. There was no significant difference in comparison of the Engle’s angle. However, there were strong linear relationships between bilateral and unilateral radiographs for measurement of both the modified Sgarlato’s angle and Engle’s angle.
Conclusion: When bilateral feet are placed in the same radiographic image, the direction of the central beam is altered from the central midfoot to the space between the two feet. The change in the position of the central beam can alter the image giving an increased appearance of metatarsus adductus. The radiograph evaluator should be aware of this change when radiographic angle measurement is utilized for diagnoses and treatment plans that correlate to the metatarsus adductus deformity.
Publication Date
2026
Citation Information
Gomez, Richard; Katzman, Zachary; Ngo, Alex; Schuster, Stephanie; and John, Kelly, "Overdiagnosis of Metatarsus Adductus in Bilateral Foot Radiographs" (2026). Faculty Works Podiatric Medicine and Surgery. 1.
https://digitalcommons.dmu.edu/fac_pms/1
