What is the normal lateral bowing angle?

What is the normal lateral bowing angle?

• A. 0 degrees
• B. 2.6 degrees
• C. 5 degrees
• D. 7 degrees

Answer: (B)

The concept being tested is how much natural lateral bowing the foot normally has. In a normally aligned foot, there is a small amount of curvature along the lateral side, so the lateral bowing angle is a tiny angle rather than a large one. About 2.6 degrees is the typical normal value, reflecting that minimal but present bowing. This makes 2.6 degrees the best answer because it sits within the physiological, nonpathologic range. A value like 0 would suggest no bowing at all, which isn’t typical, and larger values such as 5 or 7 degrees indicate more pronounced bowing that would be considered abnormal.