Automated Assessment of Hallux Valgus in Radiographic Images

The purpose of the study was to develop an automated method for measurement of the selected angular variables, characterizing foot skeleton based on dorsoplantar projection radiographs. The study was a retrospective analysis of radiographic data. Totally, 50 dorsoplantar projection radiographs of a weight-wearing foot were analyzed (24 left and 26 right feet) of 32 patients (23 female, 9 male). Various quantities were measured to assess the severity of hallux valgus. The measurements were performed manually and with an automated method designed in the study. The automated and manual measurements were correlated. Repeated manual measurements were additionally performed to determine the variability of manual assessment of the hallux valgus. High correlation between manual and automated measurements have been observed. The accuracy of the framework is comparable with the accuracy of manual measurements.