A Comparison of Radiographic Foot Measurements Taken in Two Different Positions

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to ascertain if positioning of the feet for radiographic assessment produces significant variations in measured angles, and if measurements taken from radiographs taken on two separate occasions are reproducible. Weightbearing x-rays were taken of both feet of ten male healthy subjects in two standardized positions: 1) the angle and base of gait and 2) the feet together and straight-ahead positions. The radiographs were repeated 2 weeks later. The results failed to demonstrate significant differences of radiographic measurements between the two specific foot-positioning methods. No significant differences were found between radiographic measurements of normal feet taken on different occasions. A strong correlation of the repeated measures suggests that weightbearing foot radiographs can be reliably reproduced. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 91(5): 234-239, 2001)