Association Between Second Metatarsal Length and Forefoot Loading Under the Second Metatarsophalangeal Joint

Background:Metatarsal length is believed to play a role in plantar plate dysfunction, although the mechanism through which progressive injury occurs is still uncertain. We aimed to clarify whether length of the second metatarsal was associated with increased plantar pressure measurements in the forefoot while walking.Methods:Weightbearing radiographs and corresponding pedobarographic data from 100 patients in our practice walking without a limp were retrospectively reviewed. Radiographs were assessed for several anatomic relationships, including metatarsal length, by a single rater. Pearson correlation analyses and multiple linear regression models were used to determine whether metatarsal length was associated with forefoot loading parameters.Results:The relative length of the second to first metatarsal was positively associated with the ratio of peak pressure beneath the respective metatarsophalangeal joints (r = 0.243, P = .015). The relative length of the second to third metatarsal was positively asso...