First Ray positions

First Ray positions:
The plantar surface of the first metatarsal heads should normally be on the same plane as the lessor metatarsals.

Technique:

The neutral position is considered midway in its range of motion.

Clinical use:
• if first ray elevated  dorsiflexed first ray (metatarsus primus elevatus) or forefoot supinatus
• if first ray is plantarflexed  plantarflexed first ray (congenital or acquired), forefoot valgus or dorsiflexed lateral rays

Sources of error:
• STJ not in neutral and MTJ not pronated
• unequal amounts of pressure to dorsiflex and plantarflex the first ray