Foot deformities in rheumatoid arthritis patients and their effects on foot functions.

OBJECTIVE: Foot problems are common clinical disorders in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency and impact of foot and ankle problems in patients with RA. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 164 feet of 82 RA patients with a diagnosis of one year or more were evaluated. Deformities including HV, CT, SF, PC, PP, MPS, MPV, and HT were examined in all RA patients. The Foot Function Index was used to measure the impact of these deformities on pain, disability, and movement limitations. Radiological changes were measured using the modified Larsen score. RESULTS: The frequency of deformity in RA patients was found to be 95.1%, with HV deformity being the most common at 84.1%. There was a statistically significant relationship between SF, HV, PP, and PC deformities and disease duration. In our sample of 82 patients, 70 (85.3%) reported past or present foot pain complaints. The most common site of pain was the ankle joint, with 44 (53.7%) patients experiencing ankle pain. A statistically significant increase in the frequency of ankle pain was found as DAS28 scores, body mass index (BMI), and disease duration increased. There was also a correlation between an increase in DAS28 scores and the frequency of forefoot pain. A significant correlation was found between MPV, HV, PP, and PC deformities and high FFI scores. Larsen radiological scores were not correlated with foot-ankle pain or duration of pain. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that foot deformities are common in RA, and it is important to address them early in the disease course to minimize functional disability and improve quality of life.

The spectrum of foot deformities in Loeys-Dietz syndrome.

Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS) is characterized by a wide spectrum of musculoskeletal manifestations, including foot deformities. The spectrum of foot deformities in LDS has not been previously characterized. Our objective was to describe the incidence and characteristics of foot deformities in LDS. We retrospectively reviewed the demographic, clinical and imaging data for patients diagnosed with LDS who were seen at our Orthopedic surgery department from 2008 to 2021. We performed descriptive analyses and compared distributions of deformities by LDS genetic mutations. Of the 120 patients studied, most presented for evaluation of foot deformities ( N = 56, 47%) and scoliosis ( N = 45; 38%). Ninety-seven patients (81%) had at least one foot deformity, and 87% of these patients had bilateral foot deformities. The most common deformities were pes planovalgus (53%) and talipes equinovarus (34%). Of patients with foot deformities, 58% presented for evaluation of the feet. Of patients with pes planovalgus, only 17% presented for evaluation of the feet. Among patients with pes planovalgus, 2% underwent surgery and 16% used orthotics compared with 76% and 42%, respectively, for patients with talipes equinovarus. We found no association between deformities and genetic mutations. Bilateral foot deformities are highly prevalent in patients with LDS and are the most common reason for presentation to orthopedic surgeons. Although pes planovalgus is the most common deformity, it rarely prompted surgical treatment. Orthopedic surgeons treating LDS patients should be aware of the unique characteristics of foot deformities in LDS.

Pediatric Forefoot Deformities.

This article explores different pediatric forefoot deformities including syndactyly, polydactyly, macrodactyly, curly toe, and congenital hallux varus. The epidemiology and genetic background are reviewed for each condition. Preferred treatment options and recommended surgical techniques are discussed with review of the current literature.

Presencia de huesos accesorios del tarso: variantes anatómicas normales con potencialidad patológica / Presence of accessory bones of the tarsus: normal anatomical variants with pathological potential / Presença de ossos acessórios do tarso: variantes anatômicas normais com potencial patológico

El conjunto de patologías bajo el nombre de síndromes dolorosos de pie y tobillo engloban diferentes tendinopatías asociadas entre varios factores clínicos a la presencia de huesos accesorios tarsianos. La correcta identificación y diferenciación radiológica de estas variantes anatómicas en virtud de su capacidad de influir en la dinámica normal del tarso motivan el estudio de su incidencia. Nuestro objetivo es determinar la presencia de distintos huesos accesorios tarsianos en una muestra poblacional. Se expone el resultado de un estudio observacional retrospectivo en 240 pacientes entre 15 y 85 años de edad atendidos en un centro privado de la ciudad de Las Piedras, Canelones, con radiografías de pie y tobillo preexistentes en la base de datos institucional. Se determinó presencia de huesos accesorios tarsianos en 23 pacientes (9,58%), identificando hallazgos de Os Trigonum (1,66%), Proceso de Stieda (3.33%), Os Peroneum (2,93%) y Os Navicular (1,66%). Se presenta en tablas el análisis de frecuencia correspondiente y estudio de contingencia entre variantes encontradas, edad y sexo del paciente. El resultado de la investigación busca aportar al conocimiento de variantes anatómicas normales correlativas a procesos patológicos infradiagnosticados, desde el rol de la anatomía radiológica.

The group of pathologies under the name of foot and ankle pain syndromes encompass different tendinopathies associated among various clinical factors with the presence of accessory tarsal bones. The correct identification and radiological differentiation of these anatomical variants, by virtue of their ability to influence the normal dynamics of the tarsus, motivated the study of their incidence. Our objective is to determine the presence of different tarsal accessory bones in a population sample. Here we present the results of a retrospective observational study in 240 patients between 15 and 85 years of age, treated in a private health center in the city of Las Piedras, Canelones, with pre-existing ankle and foot x-rays in the institutional database. The presence of tarsal accessory bones was determined in 23 patients (9.58%), identifying findings of Os Trigonum (1.66%), Stieda Process (3.33%), Os Peroneum (2.93%) and Os Navicular (1, 66%). The corresponding frequency analysis and contingency study between the variants found, age and sex of the patient are exposed in tables. The result of the research seeks to contribute to the knowledge of normal anatomical variants correlative to under diagnosed pathological processes, from the role of radiological anatomy.

O grupo de patologias com a denominação de síndromes dolorosas no pé e tornozelo engloba diferentes tendinopatias associadas entre diversos fatores clínicos à presença de ossos acessórios do tarso. A correta identificação e diferenciação radiológica dessas variantes anatômicas em virtude de sua capacidade de influenciar a dinâmica normal do tarso motiva o estudo de sua incidência. Nosso objetivo é determinar a presença de diferentes ossos acessórios do tarso em uma amostra populacional. É apresentado o resultado de um estudo observacional retrospectivo em 240 pacientes entre 15 e 85 anos de idade atendidos em um centro privado na cidade de Las Piedras, Canelones, com radiografias de pé e tornozelo pré-existentes no banco de dados institucional. A presença de ossos acessórios do tarso foi determinada em 23 pacientes (9,58%), identificando achados de Os Trigonum (1,66%), Processo de Stieda (3,33%), Os Peroneum (2,93%) e Os Navicular (1,66%). A correspondente análise de frequência e estudo de contingência entre as variantes encontradas, idade e sexo do paciente são apresentados em tabelas. O resultado da pesquisa busca contribuir para o conhecimento das variantes anatômicas normais correlativas aos processos patológicos subdiagnosticados, a partir do papel da anatomia radiológica.

Foot deformities in patients with diabetic mellitus (with and without peripheral neuropathy).

BACKGROUND: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is one of the most common complications in diabetes mellitus. It is the disorder that most commonly affects the feet of people with diabetes. The aim of the present study is to determine the relationship between DPN and the presence of deformities in the foot. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A descriptive observational study was conducted of 111 patients diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus (DM) type 1 or 2. All participants were aged at least 18 years and were previously informed in detail about the aims and procedures of the study. RESULTS: Regarding the presence of DPN, the only significant relationships were found for the right foot with the deformity of the second toe (claw, hammer or mallet) (p = 0.017, OR 0.29 [0.10-0.83]) and for the left foot with the deformity of the second toe (p = 0.048; OR: 0.37 [0.14-1.01]), third toe (p = 0.012; OR: 0.29 [0.11-0.79]) and the presence of hallux extensus (p = 0.05; OR: 8.27 [1.05-64.98]). CONCLUSIONS: A significant number of foot deformities were observed among these patients with DM, regardless of the presence of DPN. These deformities should be carefully evaluated in order to determine the most appropriate treatment at an early stage, which will reduce the risk of ulceration. Although it should be use with caution to be transferrable to the general population with peripheral neuropathy.

Foot and ankle abnormalities among a cohort of Nigerian school children: an epidemiological study.

PURPOSE: Foot and ankle problems in children are a common cause for paediatric orthopaedic referrals. There is a variation in the reported epidemiology of foot and ankle abnormalities across the globe. The prevalence in our locality was unknown. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence pattern of foot and ankle problems in our locality as well as compare with patterns from other geographical locations to determine the presence or otherwise, of differences among varying populations. METHODS: One thousand seven hundred and fifty-eight Nigerian primary school children aged between five and 13 years were clinically evaluated, checking for weight, height and calculation of BMI. The heel axis angle and hallux angle were measured clinically while determination of flatfeet or high arched feet was made from analysis of foot imprints. RESULTS: Hindfoot valgus was the commonest abnormality of the foot and ankle in this population with a prevalence of 34.2% and predominantly in females and older children, while hallux valgus and a high arched foot were the least common abnormalities at 0.6 and 0.7% prevalence rates, respectively. We found no statistically significant relationship between BMI and hindfoot valgus. CONCLUSION: Hindfoot valgus is the commonest foot and ankle abnormality among primary school children in our locality.

Higher body mass index is associated with lower foot health in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: baseline results of the Amsterdam-Foot cohort.

Objective: Obesity is highly prevalent in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), with likely impact on weight-bearing foot joints. We explored the associations between body mass index (BMI) and measures of foot health in patients with RA and foot complaints.Method: We examined patients with RA presenting for their first custom-made therapeutic footwear or foot orthoses. Domains of foot health comprised: foot pain, foot-related activity limitations, forefoot plantar pressure, foot synovitis, and foot deformity. In regression analyses, BMI was the independent variable and foot health domains were the dependent variables.Results: The cohort at baseline comprised 230 patients [mean ± sd age 58 ± 13 years, 80% female, mean ± sd disease duration 10 ± 9 years, and median (interquartile range) BMI 26.7 (23.5-30.1) kg/m2]. Small to modest statistically significant associations were found in the majority of the measures studied between a higher BMI and more foot pain, more foot-related activity limitations, higher in-shoe measured forefoot plantar pressure, and the presence of foot synovitis. No relationships were found between BMI and barefoot measured forefoot plantar pressure or foot deformity.Conclusion: BMI is negatively associated with foot health in patients with RA. Although the clinical relevance of our findings for an individual patient is not immediately obvious, future research should consider BMI as a potential therapeutic target to improve foot health.

Prevalence and Associates of Foot Deformities among Patients with Diabetes in Jordan.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of, and factors associated with, people with foot deformities, among patients with diabetes in Jordan. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 1000 diabetic participants recruited from the National Center for Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Genetics in Jordan. Participants had their feet clinically examined to detect the following foot deformity outcomes: Hallux valgus, claw/hammer toe, prominent metatarsal heads, limited joint mobility, pes cavus, Charcot foot, and amputations. Sociodemographic and health variables were also collected from participants' interviews, medical records, or clinical examination. Logistic regression was used to analyse associations between variables and each foot deformity outcome. RESULTS: Of the 1000 diabetic patients: Hallux valgus was found in 17.4%, claw\hammer toe in 16%, prominent metatarsal head in 14.2%, limited joint mobility in 9.4%, pes cavus in 3.2%, Charcot foot in 2.1%, and amputations in 1.7%. Hallux valgus was associated with gender (p=0.012), age (p<0.01) and shoe choices (p=0.031); claw\hammer toe was associated with age (p=0.04), retinopathy (p<0.001), sensory and painful neuropathy (p<0.001); limited joint mobility was associated with age only (p=0.001); Charcot foot was associated with glycemic control (p=0.016), hypertension (p<0.000), sensory neuropathy (p<0.001), and painful neuropathy (p<0.001); and, amputations were associated with duration of diabetes (p<0.043), sensory neuropathy (p=0.001), and painful neuropathy (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: Prevalence of different foot deformities in Jordan variedbetween 1.7% - 17.4%. Sociodemographic factors such as age, gender and shoes choices or presence of diabetes-related microvascular complications (neuropathy and retinopathy) or hypertension were independently associated with foot deformities among the Jordanian diabetic population.

The role of amputative and non-amputative foot deformities severity in the risk for diabetic ulceration classification systems building: a cross-sectional and case-control pilot investigation.

INTRODUCTION: Foot deformities and amputations are parameters that have been studied as risk factors for diabetic foot ulceration (DFU). However, inclusion of "foot deformities" and "amputations" in a single, broad variable and with reference to the severity of these deformities, may better characterize subjects who are prone to develop DFU. METHODS: The objective of the study was the examination of amputative and non-amputative foot deformities severity as risk factor for DFU in relation with the other established risk factors. A cross-sectional and case-control study was conducted from October 2005 to November 2016. One hundred and thirty-four subjects with type 1 and 2 diabetes, with and without active foot ulcers, participated. A structured quantitative interview guide was used. Univariate logistic regression analysis for the literature's established risk factors was performed, as well as for two versions of the "amputative and non-amputative foot deformities severity" variable. Subsequently, multivariate logistic regression analysis (MLRA) for three models and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were carried out. RESULTS: From the MLRA, only PAD (peripheral arterial disease) was significant (OR 3.56, 95% CI 1.17-10.82, P=0.025 and OR 3.33, 95% CI 1.02-10.08, P=0.033). Concerning the ROC curve analysis of the models, the one with the three categories amputative and non-amputative foot deformities severity variable, had the greatest area under the ROC curve (0.763, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: A united variable for lower extremity amputations and other foot deformities with reference to their severity, could be more helpful to the clinicians in identifying patients with diabetes at risk for foot ulceration.

Structural, Dermal and Ungual Characteristics of the Foot in Patients with Type II Diabetes.

Background and Objectives: Diabetes is a chronic and metabolic disease, considered as an important public health problem. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of podiatric pathology in type II diabetic patients. Materials and Methods: An observational descriptive study of prevalence in the endocrinology service of Complexo Hospitalario Universitario A Coruña (CHUAC) (A Coruña-Spain) was carried out (n = 153). Type II diabetic patients included, of legal age who signed the informed consent. Sociodemographic variables were studied (age, sex, body mass index (BMI), smoking habit, alcohol consumption, family history), disease variables (time of evolution of diabetes, treatments, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), glucose), podiatric variables: measurement of the footprint, metatarsal and digital formula, nail, skin, hindfoot and forefoot alterations. The data collection was done in 2018 and the data analysis was carried out in 2019. Results: The patients with type II diabetes had greater age, obesity and arterial hypertension it compared to the general population. Diabetic patients had a higher prevalence of flat feet than the general population (71.2% vs. 20.7%, p < 0.001), with a predominance of normal foot according to the podoscope. The predominant podological pathology was the presence of claw toes (94.8%), followed by dermal (78.4%) and nail (71.9%) alterations, and the Hallux Valgus (66.0%). The Clarke angle and the Chippaux index showed a Kappa concordance index of 0.26 with the type of footprint measured with the podoscope. The Staheli index showed a Kappa index of 0.27 associated with an observed agreement of 54%. Conclusions: This study shows that foot problems continue to be prevalent in subjects with type II diabetes mellitus and for this reason, podiatry is essential in its treatment.

Double hindfoot arthrodesis technique for the treatment of severe equino-plano-valgus foot deformity in cerebral palsy: long-term results and radiological evaluation.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological results of a double arthrodesis technique for the treatment of equino-plano-valgus foot deformity in pediatric patients affected by cerebral palsy. A retrospective evaluation was performed on 175 feet surgically treated with a talonavicular and calcaneocuboid joint fusion technique. The average age at surgery was 14.7 years (range: 12-20 years). Visual analogue scale for pain score, Gross Motor Function Classification System scale, talonavicular angle, Costa-Bertani angle, and Kite's angle on standard weight bearing radiographs were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively. The mean clinical follow-up was 62.4 months (range: 12-112 months). The mid Gross Motor Function Classification System scale value did not show a significant improvement in any of the subgroups considered. A significant improvement in the visual analogue scale for pain score value was evident 6 months after surgery. Radiological examination showed a statistically significant improvement in the talonavicular angle (average 7.4°) and the Costa-Bertani angle (average 128.5°). Complications occurred in 8.6% of cases. The described surgical technique is safe and efficacious, and could represent a useful option of treatment of equino-plano-valgus severe deformity in cerebral palsy patients older than 12 years of age.

Preoperative radiographic and clinical factors associated with postoperative floating of the lesser toes after resection arthroplasty for rheumatoid forefoot deformity.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to clarify the characteristics associated with postoperative floating of the lesser toes, especially focusing on the medial and lateral lessor toes, after arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint and resection arthroplasty of the lessor toes in rheumatoid forefoot deformity. METHODS: Fourty-seven feet of 43 people who underwent resection arthroplasty of the metatarsal head of the lesser toes for rheumatoid arthritis of the metatarsophalangeal joints were included. We retrospectively evaluated the preoperative radiographic findings and clinical characteristics of the patients, and the occurrence of postoperative floating of the lesser toes. The mean duration of follow-up was 36.5 (range 12 to 114) months. RESULTS: Preoperative dislocation grades of the second and third toes that demonstrated postoperative floating were significantly higher than those of toes that did not experience postoperative floating. The hallux valgus deformity before surgery was significantly more severe in toes with postoperative floating of the second and third lessor toes than those with no floating (p < 0.05). In addition, the Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot (JSSF) hallux scale scores before surgery in toes with postoperative floating of the fourth and fifth lessor toes were significantly worse than those in non-dislocating toes (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The preoperative condition of the first metatarsophalangeal joint, including hallux valgus deformity, pain, range of motion, activity of daily living, and function is significantly different between postoperative floating of the lesser toes and non-floating of them after resection arthroplasty for rheumatoid forefoot deformity.

A large multicenter study of pediatric myotonic dystrophy type 1 for evidence-based management.

OBJECTIVE: To genotypically and phenotypically characterize a large pediatric myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) cohort to provide a solid frame of data for future evidence-based health management. METHODS: Among the 2,697 patients with genetically confirmed DM1 included in the French DM-Scope registry, children were enrolled between January 2010 and February 2016 from 24 centers. Comprehensive cross-sectional analysis of most relevant qualitative and quantitative variables was performed. RESULTS: We studied 314 children (52% females, with 55% congenital, 31% infantile, 14% juvenile form). The age at inclusion was inversely correlated with the CTG repeat length. The paternal transmission rate was higher than expected, especially in the congenital form (13%). A continuum of highly prevalent neurodevelopmental alterations was observed, including cognitive slowing (83%), attention deficit (64%), written language (64%), and spoken language (63%) disorders. Five percent exhibited autism spectrum disorders. Overall, musculoskeletal impairment was mild. Despite low prevalence, cardiorespiratory impairment could be life-threatening, and frequently occurred early in the first decade (25.9%). Gastrointestinal symptoms (27%) and cataracts (7%) were more frequent than expected, while endocrine or metabolic disorders were scarce. CONCLUSIONS: The pedDM-Scope study details the main genotype and phenotype characteristics of the 3 DM1 pediatric subgroups. It highlights striking profiles that could be useful in health care management (including transition into adulthood) and health policy planning.

Foot problems as a risk factor for falls in community-dwelling older people: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Foot problems are common in older people. The objective of this systematic review was to determine whether foot problems increase the risk of falling in community-dwelling older people. METHODS: Electronic databases were searched from inception to May 2018. To be eligible for inclusion, papers needed to (i) include community-dwelling older participants, (ii) document falls either retrospectively or prospectively, and (iii) document or assess the presence of foot problems. Screening and data extraction were performed by two independent assessors, with disagreements resolved by consensus. RESULTS: A total of 146 papers were screened by title and abstract, and nine met the inclusion criteria. An additional six eligible papers were identified by searching the reference lists of included papers, resulting in a total of 15 papers. Quantitative synthesis indicated that older people who fell were more likely to have foot pain, hallux valgus, lesser toe deformity, plantar fasciitis, reduced ankle dorsiflexion range of motion, reduced toe plantarflexion strength, impaired tactile sensitivity and increased plantar pressures when walking. Meta-analysis indicated that fallers were more likely to have foot pain (pooled odds ratio [OR] 1.95, 95% CI 1.38-2.76, p < 0.001), hallux valgus (pooled OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.19-3.00, p = 0.007) and lesser toe deformity (pooled OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.07-2.59, p = 0.020). CONCLUSION: Foot problems, particularly foot pain, hallux valgus and lesser toe deformity, are associated with falls in older people. Documentation of foot problems and referral to foot care specialists should therefore be a routine component of falls risk assessment and prevention.

Epidemiology and bone-related comorbidities of ingrown nail: A nationwide population-based study.

Although ingrown nail (IN) is common, there is no large-scale study regarding its epidemiology and risk factors, such as foot deformity. The purpose of this study is to determine the demographics of IN and clarify its association with bone-related comorbidities of the ankle, foot and toe. Patients in a representative sample cohort of the National Health Information Database of South Korea from 2004 to 2013 who had IN were compared with a control group without IN. Ten-year overall incidence was 307.5/100 000 person-years (95% confidence interval, 304.1-310.9). IN incidence and prevalence showed an increasing trend, and IN was more common in women than in men. Incidence showed bimodal peaks, among teenagers and among participants in their 50s. The IN group showed more common valgus deformity (64.3%) than did the control group (61.6%), and flat foot was also a significant risk factor of IN. There were increasing tendencies of IN incidence and prevalence among females. Confirmed bone deformity, especially acquired valgus or varus deformity, and flat foot were associated with IN.

Valoración del pie plano en personas adultas con síndrome de Down y de su afectación en la vida diaria / No disponible

Se realizó un estudio en 50 adultos con síndrome de Down, entre 18 y 40 años para analizar la incidencia e influencia del pie plano sobre el funcionamiento de la vida diaria. La incidencia fue del 70%, con grados diversos de pie plano. Hubo dolor en 4 personas, si bien era debido a otros problemas y no achacable al pie plano. En ningún caso la presencia de pie plano afectó al funcionamiento de la vida ordinaria

A study was made in 50 adults with Down syndrome between the ages of 18 and 40 years. The incidence of flat feet was 70%. However, only 4 individuals suffered pain that was related to other causes. In no case the flat fee showed adverse effects that might impair their daily life

Correction of Hallux Valgus Deformity in Association With Underlying Metatarsus Adductus Deformity.

Presence of underlying metatarsus deformity is known to negatively affect the outcome of hallux valgus corrective surgery. Yet there are many other factors that also affect final outcomes. In order to address the potential relationships between variables, we attempted to evaluate the association of metatarsus adductus with surgical outcomes, independent of other common factors used in evaluation of hallux valgus deformity. We enrolled 154 patients who had undergone hallux valgus corrective surgery and recorded their pre- and postoperative intermetatarsal (IM12) and hallux valgus (HVA) angles, preoperative Engel's angle, and type of hallux valgus procedure. Using linear and logistic regression models, we identified variables that were independently (1) associated with the final IM12 and HVA and those (2) independently associated with dichotomized postoperative IM12 and HVA. We found that the only factors that were independently associated were preoperative IM12 with postoperative IM12, and preoperative HVA with postoperative HVA. In the linear model, a discretized Engel's angle of 21 to 25 was marginally negatively associated with the final IM12. There was no detectable relationship between underlying metatarsus adductus deformity and the final outcome of hallux valgus correction after adjusting for other covariates. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Level III: Retrospective, cohort study.

The influence of timing of knee recurvatum on surgical outcome in cerebral palsy.

Recent reports have shown that timing of genu recurvatum (GR) might be caused by different underlying factors and that equinus leads to GR especially during early stance. The purpose of this study was to investigate the reduction of GR after surgical correction of equinus in children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy and whether the children with early and late type GR show differences in reduction of knee hyperextension after a surgery. In 24 limbs (mean age 10.3 years, GMFCS I-III) showing equinus and GR the kinematics of the knee and ankle as well as the kinetics of the knee were evaluated before and one year (mean follow up period: 12.8 months) after surgical correction of equinus. The study was approved by the local ethical committee. Limbs with early type GR showed a reduction by 11.1° (p<0.001) and those with late type GR by 6.0° (p<0.049) in GR after surgery. Before surgery limbs with early type GR showed increased external extending moments, which decreased significantly after surgery. In contrast limbs with late GR did not show a significant reduction of those moments. The findings of this study underline the influence of equinus on early GR as an underlying factor. As equinus is attributed to early knee hyperextension and proximal factors are more important as underlying factors in late type GR, a classification into early and late onset GR is useful to identify underlying factors and to choose adequate treatment.

Incidence and type of foot deformities in patients with spina bifida according to level of lesion.

AIM: The previously suggested association between the incidence of high-level foot deformity and muscle imbalance is no longer supported, when evaluated independent from motor and sensory loss and level of lesion, by current studies. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between level of lesion and foot deformity. METHODS: Of 545 patients, a total of 136 (272 feet) patients admitted to the spina bifida clinic between 2010 and 2014 were included in this study. Levels of all lesions were evaluated using initial operation data, the motor-sensory exams, and direct radiography. All patients were categorized into four different groups: Thoracic region (group 1), high-level lumbar-L1-2 region (group 2), mild and lower lumbar regions (L3-4-5) (group 3), and Sacral region (group 4). RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 34.9 months (range 8-176 months). Group 1, group 2, group 3, and group 4 included 24 (17.6%), 14 (10.3%), 19 (14%), and 79 (58.1%) patients with regards to level of lesion, respectively. The incidences of foot deformity were 85.4, 85.7, 81.5, and 50.6% in groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Of all patients, 22% (61 feet) had clubfoot, 16% (44 feet) pes cavus, 10% (26 feet) pes valgus, 6% (17 feet) isolated equinus, 6 % (17 feet) pes calcaneus, and 5% (13 feet) metatarsus adductus. Patients without a foot deformity (81% of normal feet) usually had a lesion at the sacral level (p ≤ 0.05). On the other hand, isolated equinus (70%) and clubfoot (49%) deformities were mostly observed in spinal lesions (p > 0.05). The incidence of pes calcaneus, pes valgus, and adductus deformities inclined as the lesion level decreased (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: In this study, it was concluded that foot deformities were directly related to the level of lesion. The comparison of higher and lower level lesions revealed that the types of foot deformity differed significantly. The muscle imbalance due to spina bifida was not sufficient to explain the pathology. On the other hand, the level of spinal lesion is an important factor for the type of deformity.