Footprint as an alternative to X-ray in hallux valgus angle measurement

Background: X- ray images provide accurate and reliable data in different foot pathologies. However, the accompanied complications will limit its use for epidemiological studies and research purposes, especially in children.&nbsp; Therefore, simple, accessible, and cost- effective methods such as footprint, with a good correlation with x-ray images, are needed to help diagnose different foot pathologies. In the present study, the accuracy of footprint technique in assessing hallux valgus angle (HVA) was evaluated based on x-ray images through measuring the angle between the medial border protrusion of the foot and the hallux. &nbsp;&nbsp; Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 42 participants with symptomatic hallux valgus were recruited. HVA was measured by both x-ray imaging and footprint. The differences between the two approaches were identified by applying correlation-coefficient test and reliability, which was assessed using interclass correlation (ICC). &nbsp;&nbsp; Results: A significant correlation was found between the HVA measured by x-ray and HVA by footprints (p<&thinsp;0.001), and the ICC was upper than 90%. &nbsp;&nbsp; Conclusion: Foot print is a reliable method for measuring HVA, as it was highly correlated with the HVAs obtained by x-ray imaging.&nbsp; &nbsp;