A foot that is bent outward away from the body is described as which position?

• A. Dorsiflexion
• B. Valgus
• C. Varus
• D. Inversion

Answer: (B)

Valgus describes an outward deviation of a distal segment away from the body's midline. When the foot tilts so that it points away from the midline (the sole turns laterally), that outward orientation is valgus. Dorsiflexion is lifting the foot upward toward the shin and isn’t about outward/inward tilt. Varus is the inward deviation toward the midline, the opposite of valgus. Inversion turns the sole inward toward the midline, which is also inward rather than outward. So the outward, away-from-midline position described fits valgus.