TENDON SHIRT IN HALLUX-VALGUS - OBSERVATIONS AT MR-IMAGING

Objective. This study was undertaken to demonstrate a shift in tendon alignment at the first metatarsophalangeal joint in patients with hall ux valgus by means of magnetic resonance imaging. Design. Ten normal f eet and 20 feet with the hallux valgus deformity conforming to convent ional clinical and radiographic criteria were prospectively studied us ing magnetic resonance imaging. Correlation was made between tendon po sition at the first metatarsophalangeal joint and the severity of the hallux valgus deformity. Results, There is a significant shift in tend on position al the first metatarsophalangeal joint of patients with ha llux valgus. The insertion of the abductor hallux tendon is markedly p lantarward and the flexor and extensor tendons bowstring at the first metatarsophalangeal joint compared with patients without the deformity , The severity of the tendon shift correlates with the hallux valgus a ngle and clinical severity of the hallux valgus deformity in each case . Conclusion. Patients with hallux valgus have a significant tendon sh ift at the first metatarsophalangeal joint which appears to contribute to development of the deformity.