Which statement about normal measurements of the 4th and 5th metatarsals is true?

Which statement about normal measurements of the 4th and 5th metatarsals is true?

• A. Intermetatarsal angle 6.5-9.0 degrees and lateral bowing angle 2.6 degrees
• B. Intermetatarsal angle 0-5 degrees and lateral bowing angle 5 degrees
• C. Intermetatarsal angle 10-15 degrees and lateral bowing angle 2 degrees
• D. Intermetatarsal angle 0-3 degrees and lateral bowing angle 0 degrees

Answer: (A)

In normal feet, the 4th and 5th metatarsals show a small amount of splay and a slight lateral bowing of the 5th ray. The measurements that reflect this typical alignment are an intermetatarsal angle between the 4th and 5th metatarsals of about 6.5 to 9.0 degrees and a lateral bowing angle of about 2.6 degrees. These values capture the gentle divergence of the rays and the tiny curvature of the 5th metatarsal that many feet exhibit without pathology.

So this option is the best because it matches those normal ranges. The other choices either propose a smaller splay or no bowing, or show a greater bowing or a much larger intermetatarsal angle, which would suggest a deformity rather than normal variation. In clinical practice, recognizing these normal ranges helps distinguish a harmless variation from conditions like tailor’s bunion or abnormal 5th-ray alignment that might require intervention.