Hallux valgus surgery: a simple method for evaluating the first-second intermetatarsal angle in the presence of metatarsus adductus.

Abstract

In hallux valgus surgery, the presence of metatarsus adductus complicates the evaluation of the first-second intermetatarsal angle(IMA) because it will produce an apparent reduction in the IMA because the second metatarsal is skewed closer to the first metatarsal. This can lead to an underestimation of how much the IMA should be reduced. The Kilmartin angle is a simple charting technique that will eliminate the influence of metatarsus adductus and indicate the true degree of metatarsus primus varus. This may facilitate better preoperative planning in hallux valgus surgery.