Berquist, Thomas H.

Radiographs were studied of 91 feet in 62 patients with the diagnosis of bunionette and no prior bunionette or hallux valgus operations. Various radiologic measurements were compared to a matched control group with no bunionette symptoms or previous forefoot operations. The bunionette group had a significantly increased metatarsophalangeal 5 angle, intermetatarsal 4–5 angle, and intermetatarsal 1–2 angle compared to the control group. Bunionettes were not commonly associated with lateral bowing of the fifth metatarsal or with an increased fifth metatarsal head width. Symmetry was noted between symptomatic and opposite asymptomatic feet, with the exception of an increased intermetatarsal 4–5 angle in the symptomatic feet.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a useful technique of studying soft tissues of the body, can be very effective in assessing the integrity of tendons. Usually a patient with a complete tear of the posterior tibial tendon has characteristic physical findings. In the patient presented, MRI demonstrated a complete disruption of the posterior tibial tendon, despite the absence of the commonly associated clinical findings. In view of the difficulties encountered with attempted tenography of the completely torn posterior tibial tendon, MRI provides a sensitive alternative diagnostic technique.