Radiograhic Evaluation of Congenital and Acquired Foot Deformities: Talo-Calcaneal Angles

Value Proposition

Multiple angles and measurements can be used to evaluate abnormal development of the foot, but the task of obtaining these can be cumbersome and time-intensive. An automated method for obtaining a series of angle measurements and bony relationships, which can eventually be used to characterize foot deformities, should improve the radiologists’ workflow.

For this use case(s), the focus will first be placed on automating the measurement of a series of different angles and bony associations on foot radiographs, which can then be compiled to determine the presence vs. absence of a foot deformity. If present, our hope is for the algorithm to further diagnose/characterize the specific foot deformity. Ultimately, this may be expanded to include additional modalities, such as CT.

For this particular use case, we will limit our evaluation to measuring the AP talo-calcaneal angle and the lateral talo-calcaneal angle. Additional use cases include the talonavicular axis, intermetatarsal angle, talo-1st metatarsal angle, calcaneal pitch, 1st metatarsophalangeal angle, Meary’s angle, and the tibial-calcaneal angle.

Narrative(s)

3 year-old female presents to the pediatrician with abnormal gait and in-toeing. Bilateral, weight-bearing 3-view foot radiographs are obtained for evaluation of foot deformities.

6 month-old male presents for contractures/abnormal positioning of the feet. Bilateral, 3-view foot simulated weight-bearing radiographs are obtained for evaluation of foot deformities.

Workflow Description

Radiographs of the foot/feet are ordered, obtained, sent to PACS and the algorithm is triggered.

The algorithm delivers the following outputs: AP talo-calcaneal angle, lateral talo-calcaneal angle, normal vs. increased/decreased angle