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Department of Podiatry

Metatarsus Adductus

Metatarsus adductus is a common term to describe a broad spectum of deformities in the paediatric foot. Radiographs are sometimes of limited benefit in the infant, because most of the midfoot is cartilaginous until the age of 2 to 3 years. In the older child, radiographs can be helpful in determining true movement at the Lisfranc's joint. This condition is also characterised by an adduction deformity of the first through fourth metatarsals with the fifth often remaining straight.

Berg proposed four radiographic subtypes:

1. Simple metatarsus adductus - the talo - first metatarsal angle is increased but the midfoot and hindfoot are normal.

2. Complex metatarsus adductus - in addition to the increase in the talo - first metatarsal angle, the hindfoot is translated laterally

3. Simple skewfoot - talo - first metatarsal angle is increased with normal alignment of the midfoot and the hindfoot is everted.

4. Complex skewfoot - the talo - first metatarsal angle is increased with lateral translation of the midfoot and the hindfoot is everted.

(De Valentine, 1992)

An AP radiograph of a metatarsus adductus foot

Another AP radiograph, this time of two feet more severely affected

Metatarsus Adductus Dorsal-plantar view- 4yr old female. A Forefoot Adductus is present which involves the tarsometatarsal joints 1-4 (right foot). This malalignment may respond well to gentle manipulation since the foot is still developing.

 

(Text: DeValentine, S. (1992). Foot and Ankle Disorders in Children. Churchill Livingstone Inc. United States of America)

 

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Last Updated: July 8th, 2003