Radiographic morphometric analysis of cuboid bone in asymptomatic adult feet: Reference values and anatomical parameters

Abstract

Objectives: To establish radiographic parameters of normality of the cuboid bone and to assist in therapeutic decisions in several diseases. Methods: Five hundred and sixteen adult patients (516 feet) aged between 18 and 70 years were selected, distributed equally between sexes and without current or previous cuboid lesions. Foot radiographs at internal oblique incidence were performed and two parameters were evaluated. The first was the measurement of the alpha angle, formed between the distal and proximal articular surfaces of the cuboid, and the second was the ratio between the length of the lateral and medial walls. Results: Radiographic parameters were evaluated, and the results by sex and age group were divided into groups (18 to 50 and 50 to 70 years). Alpha angle values in the general population ranged from 21.6° to 49.2°, with a mean of 35.62°, and differed by sex, with male patients showing a higher angle (35.11° x 36.13°). The ratio between the walls ranged from 0.37 to 0.69, with a mean of 0.52 and no sex differences. Conclusion: The radiographic parameters studied may help define cuboid anatomy and guide the therapeutic approach to several foot injuries. Level of Evidence III; Radiographic Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study