A study of radiographs from 50 males and 50 females was undertaken
to determine whether a relationship existed between the proximal articular
set angle and the hallux abductus angle. Gender differences in the
relationship were also investigated. The normal range for the proximal
articular set angle was –2.6° to 8.6°, with a mean of 5°. There was no
significant difference in the mean values between males and females. A
positive linear correlation between the proximal articular set angle and
hallux abducto valgus deformity was found (R2 = 0.52), suggesting that
an increased lateral tilt of the metatarsal head is one of the factors that
lead to hallux abducto valgus deformity. The relationship between proximal
articular set angle and hallux abducto valgus deformity was similar
in males and females and did not account for the increased hallux deformity
seen in females