Relationship Between Grading With Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Radiographic Parameters in Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to elucidate the relationship between the state of the posterior tibial tendon (PTT) on magnetic resonance images and foot deformity. The cases included 34 feet in 27 patients with PTT deformity and the controls included 18 feet in 12 patients who had undergone magnetic resonance imaging for other foot diseases. The PTT was closely examined on the magnetic resonance images and classified using the Conti classification. The control feet with no injury to the PTT were classified as grade 0. The talonavicular coverage angle, lateral talo-first metatarsal angle, medial cuneiform to fifth metatarsal height, calcaneal pitch angle, and varus–valgus angle were measured as radiographic parameters for flatfoot deformation, and the relation between the Conti classification and each parameter was examined statistically. A significant difference was observed in the talonavicular coverage angle between grade 0 and the other grades; the lateral talo-first metatarsal angle between grade 0 and the other grades and between grades 1 and 3; the medial cuneiform to fifth metatarsal height among grades 0, 2, and 3 and grades 1, 2, and 3; the calcaneal pitch angle between grades 1 and 3; and the varus–valgus angle among grades 0, 2, and 3 and between grades 1 and 3. Eversion of the forefoot was observed, along with an advanced collapse in the medial longitudinal arch, from an early stage of PTT injury.