Effect of ankle valgus on radiographic appearance of the hindfoot.

The integral relationship between the ankle and the hindfoot may compromise the interpretation of weightbearing radiographs of the feet. The ankle should be horizontal if meaningful observations are to be made about hindfoot alignment. This pitfall is demonstrated using an anatomic specimen and several clinical examples. An anteroposterior radiograph of the ankle should be obtained before one contemplates stabilization or realignment of the hindfoot.