Which statement about normal measurements of the 4th and 5th metatarsals is true?

Which statement about normal measurements of the 4th and 5th metatarsals is true?

• A. Intermetatarsal angle 6.5-9.0 degrees and lateral bowing angle 2.6 degrees
• B. Intermetatarsal angle 0-5 degrees and lateral bowing angle 5 degrees
• C. Intermetatarsal angle 10-15 degrees and lateral bowing angle 2 degrees
• D. Intermetatarsal angle 0-3 degrees and lateral bowing angle 0 degrees

Answer: (A)

The main idea is knowing the normal radiographic values for the 4th and 5th metatarsals: how far apart the shafts diverge (intermetatarsal angle) and how much the 4th metatarsal shaft bows laterally (lateral bowing angle). The intermetatarsal angle between the 4th and 5th metatarsals on an AP view is normally about 6.5–9.0 degrees. The lateral bowing angle of the 4th metatarsal is normally small, around 2–3 degrees (roughly 2.6 degrees in this context). These values describe a typical, nonpathologic alignment. So, a statement that lists an intermetatarsal angle of 6.5–9.0 degrees and a lateral bowing angle around 2.6 degrees matches the expected normal ranges, making it the best choice. If the angles were much smaller or larger, or if the bowing were near zero, that would suggest deviation from normal anatomy.

The main idea is knowing the normal radiographic values for the 4th and 5th metatarsals: how far apart the shafts diverge (intermetatarsal angle) and how much the 4th metatarsal shaft bows laterally (lateral bowing angle).

The intermetatarsal angle between the 4th and 5th metatarsals on an AP view is normally about 6.5–9.0 degrees. The lateral bowing angle of the 4th metatarsal is normally small, around 2–3 degrees (roughly 2.6 degrees in this context). These values describe a typical, nonpathologic alignment.

So, a statement that lists an intermetatarsal angle of 6.5–9.0 degrees and a lateral bowing angle around 2.6 degrees matches the expected normal ranges, making it the best choice. If the angles were much smaller or larger, or if the bowing were near zero, that would suggest deviation from normal anatomy.