Background: The diagnostic of flat and crest-shaped of first metatarsal heads has been associated as an important risk factor for hallux deformities, such as hallux valgus and hallux rigidus. The rounded form of the first metatarsal head on the dorsoplantar radiograph of the foot has been believed to be associated with the development of hallux valgus. Purpose: The aim of this study was to clarify the effect of tube angulation on the distortion of first metatarsal head shape, and verify the real shape of the metatarsal head in anatomical dissection after an X-ray has been taken. Materials and Methods: In this prospective study at Universidad Complutense de Madrid, from December 2016 to June 2019, 103 feet from embalmed cadavers were included. We performed dorsoplantar radiograph tube angulation from 0° until 30° every 5° on all specimens; then, two observers verified the shape of the first metatarsal head in the radiographs and after its anatomic dissection. Kappa statistics and McNemar Bowker tests were used to assess and test for intra and interobserver agreement of metatarsal shape. Results: We calculated the intraobserver agreement, and the results showed that the first metatarsal head is distorted and crested only when the angle of the X-ray beam is at 20° of inclination (p < 0.001). The interobserver agreement showed good agreement at 0°, 5°, 10°, 20°, and 25° and was excellent at 30° (p < 0.001). Conclusion: All of the studies that we identified in the literature state that there are three types of shapes of the first metatarsal head and relate each type of head to the diagnosis of a foot pathology, such as hallux valgus or hallux rigidus. This study demonstrates that there is only the round-shaped form, and not three types of metatarsal head shape. Therefore, no diagnoses related to the shape of the first metatarsal head can be made.

In recent years, interest in finding alternatives for the evaluation of mobility has increased. Inertial measurement units (IMUs) stand out for their portability, size, and low price. The objective of this study was to examine the accuracy and repeatability of a commercially available IMU under controlled conditions in healthy subjects. A total of 36 subjects, including 17 males and 19 females were analyzed with a Wiva Science IMU in a corridor test while walking for 10 m and in a threadmill at 1.6 km/h, 2.4 km/h, 3.2 km/h, 4 km/h, and 4.8 km/h for one minute. We found no difference when we compared the variables at 4 km/h and 4.8 km/h. However, we found greater differences and errors at 1.6 km/h, 2.4 km/h and 3.2 km/h, and the latter one (1.6 km/h) generated more error. The main conclusion is that the Wiva Science IMU is reliable at high speeds but loses reliability at low speeds.

Metatarsus adductus (MA) is a congenital foot deformity often unrecognized at birth. There is adduction of the metatarsals, supination of the subtalar joint, and plantarflexion of the first ray. The aims of this study were to assess the intra and inter-reader reliability of the radiographic MA measurement angles used in the literature. Methods: All consecutive recreational football players who practice activity more than 5 h/week over 21 years of age with MA by roentgenographic evaluation on weight-bearing dorsoplantar images were included in a cross-sectional study. Controls were matched to cases according to age and gender. We assess all radiographic measurements to evaluate metatarsus adductus with the different measurements frequently used in the literature: Sgarlato, modified Sgarlato, Rearfoot, Root, Engel, modified Engel, Kite, Kilmartin, modified Kilmartin, Simons, and Laaveg & Ponseti. Results: The variables measured in 80 weight-bearing dorsoplantar foot radiographs show excellent reliability ranging p > 0.900 in Sgarlato and modified Sgarlato with low SEM, CV, and MCD. Rearfoot, Root, Engel, modified Engel, Kite, Kilmartin, Simons, Laaveg & Ponseti, and modified Kilmartin’s angles showed intra or inter reliability with ICC lower than <0.900, systematic differences between intersession or inter observers, or high MCD value. Conclusion: It is more suitable to measure the MA angle with the Sgarlato and modified Sgarlato techniques to show higher reliability and repeatability for intra and inter-observer.

A crossover trial was conducted to compare hand rub and hand scrub-brush methods for reducing bacterial loads when using propan-1-ol-60% according to European regulations. Both methods significantly reduced the bacterial load immediately after antisepsis, but only the hand rub method achieved significant bacterial load reduction 3 hours after the procedure.

Triclosan 0.5% by scrubbing does not meet the UNE-EN12791 criteria to be used in the surgical hand preparation (SHP). Triclosan 0.5% by scrubbing followed by ethanol 70% hand rubbing is suitable without the additional characteristic of sustained effect. This limited effectiveness implies that triclosan should be avoided in SHP given the restrictions on its use in consumer antiseptic products. The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (ID: NCT04538365).