What is the normal intermetatarsal angle between the 4th and 5th metatarsals?

What is the normal intermetatarsal angle between the 4th and 5th metatarsals?

• A. 0-5 degrees
• B. 6.5-9.0 degrees
• C. 10-15 degrees
• D. 20-25 degrees

Answer: (B)

The measured angle between the 4th and 5th metatarsals on a dorsoplantar radiograph reflects how much those two bones splay apart under weight bearing. The normal range for this intermetatarsal angle is about 6.5 to 9 degrees. This value represents the typical slight divergence of the fourth and fifth rays in a normally aligned foot. Measuring involves drawing lines along the central axes of the 4th and 5th metatarsals and finding the angle between those lines. Values near 6.5–9 degrees fall within expected anatomy, while noticeably smaller angles (near zero) are not typical, and larger angles (10–15 degrees or more) suggest abnormal forefoot widening or pathology.

The measured angle between the 4th and 5th metatarsals on a dorsoplantar radiograph reflects how much those two bones splay apart under weight bearing. The normal range for this intermetatarsal angle is about 6.5 to 9 degrees. This value represents the typical slight divergence of the fourth and fifth rays in a normally aligned foot.

Measuring involves drawing lines along the central axes of the 4th and 5th metatarsals and finding the angle between those lines. Values near 6.5–9 degrees fall within expected anatomy, while noticeably smaller angles (near zero) are not typical, and larger angles (10–15 degrees or more) suggest abnormal forefoot widening or pathology.