Table 2

Comparison of the prevalence of MTP joint and foot specific US detectable and clinically detectable pathology of the study participants at baseline and twelve weeks by frequency (N)

Variable

Baseline

12 weeks

Statistical Values

MTP joint synovial hypertrophy (US)

R2

58.1% (18)

45.2% (14)

p = 1.000

R5

74.2% (23)

51.6% (16)

p = 0.344

L2

61.3% (19)

35.5% (11)

p = 0.267

L5

67.7% (21)

54.8% (17)

p = 0.754

MTP joint synovitis (Doppler US)

R2

6.5% (2)

6.5% (2)

p = 1.000

R5

9.7% (3)

3.2% (1)

p = 0.625

L2

3.2% (1)

0% (0)

p = 1.000

L5

9.7% (3)

6.5% (2)

p = 1.000

MTP joint erosion (US)

R2

25.8% (8)

25.8% (8)

p = 0.250

R5

74.2% (23)

51.6% (16)

p = 0.727

L2

9.7% (3)

12.9% (4)

p = 1.000

L5

61.3% (19)

58.1% (18)

p = 1.000

Plantar forefoot bursal hypertrophy (US)

R

83.9% (26)

67.7% (21)

p = 1.000

L

80.6% (25)

69.2% (18)

p = 0.508

Clinically detectable plantar forefoot bursae

R

41.9% (13)

32.3% (10)

p = 0.012

L

35.5% (11)

19.4% (6)

p = 0.453

Clinically detectable MTP joint synovitis

R

45.2% (14)

25.8% (8)

p = 0.375

L

25.8% (8)

16.1% (5)

p = 0.070

Key: R = Right; L = Left; 2 = second MTP joint; 5 = fifth MTP joint

Bowen et al. Journal of Foot and Ankle Research 2010 3:10   doi:10.1186/1757-1146-3-10