Quantifying lower limb inter-joint coordination and coordination variability after four-month wearing arch support foot orthoses in children with flexible flat feet.

INTRODUCTION: Flat feet in children negatively affect lower limb alignment and cause adverse health-related problems. The long-term application of foot orthoses (FOs) may have the potential to improve lower limb coordination and its variability. AIM: To evaluate the effects of long-term use of arch support FOs on inter-joint coordination and coordination variability in children with flexible flat feet. METHODS: Thirty boys with flexible flat feet were randomly assigned to the experimental (EG) and control groups. The EG used medial arch support FOs during daily activities over a four-month period while the control group received a flat 2-mm-thick insole for the same time period. Lower-limb coordination and variability during the 3 sub-stance phases were quantified using a vector coding technique. RESULTS: Frontal plane ankle-hip coordination in EG during mid-stance changed to an anti-phase pattern (156.9°) in the post-test compared to an in-phase (221.1°) in the pre-test of EG and post-test of CG (222.7). Frontal plane knee-hip coordination in EG during loading response (LR) changed to an anti-phase pattern (116°) in the post-test compared to an in-phase (35.5°) in the pre-test of EG and post-test of CG (35.3). Ankle inversion/eversion-knee internal/external rotation joint coupling angle in EG changed to an in-phase pattern (59°) in the post-test compared to a proximal phase (89°) in the pre-test. Coupling angle variability increased in the post-test of EG for sagittal plane ankle-hip during push-off, transverse plane ankle-hip during LR and mid-stance, and transverse plane knee-hip during LR and mid-stance compared to pre-test of EG and post-test of CG. CONCLUSION: The long-term use of arch support FOs proved to be effective to alter lower limb coordination and coordination variability during walking in children with flexible flat feet. This new insight into coordinative function may be useful for improving corrective exercise strategies planned for children with flat feet.

Tratamiento del pie metatarso aducto con el método de vendajes funcionales correctores: estudio retrospectivo / Corrective bandage for conservative treatment of metatarsus adductus: A retrospective study

Objetivo: Analizar la evolución del pie metatarso aducto semirrígido o de segundo grado tras la aplicación de un método de tratamiento con vendajes funcionales correctores en niños recién nacidos. Material y métodos: Estudio observacional retrospectivo de 94 niños nacidos con pies metatarso aductos semirrígidos o de segundo grado en el Hospital Virgen Macarena de Sevilla durante los años 2010-2012 tratados con el método de vendajes funcionales correctores. Las variables registradas fueron: sexo, lateralidad de la deformidad, peso y longitud del recién nacido, edad al inicio del tratamiento, antecedentes relacionados con el embarazo y el parto, tipo de tratamiento aplicado y su duración, y corrección o no de la deformidad solo con vendajes. Resultados: Se observó que en el 68,1% (64/94) de los pacientes el metatarso aducto se corrigió solo con vendajes. En las niñas el tratamiento mediante vendajes resolvió la deformidad con más frecuencia que en los niños. Conclusión: El método de vendajes correctores presenta una gran efectividad en la corrección del pie metatarso aducto. En las niñas, el tratamiento mediante vendajes resolvió la deformidad con más frecuencia que en los niños (AU)

Objective: To analyze the evolution of a corrective bandage of the semi-rigid metatarsus adductus (MA) foot in newborn. Material and methods: An observational, clinical study was performed at the University Hospital ‘Virgen Macarena’ in Seville, Spain. Children born with semi-rigid metatarsus adductus feet at the Virgen Macarena University Hospital in Seville during the years 2010-2011 were included. Corrective bandaging was applied to all children until clinical correction of the deformity. Sex, laterality of the deformity, weight and length of the newborn, age at the start of treatment, antecedents related to the pregnancy and birth, type of treatment (bandaging, splints) and correction or no correction with bandaging alone were recorded. Results: The bandage achieved complete correction in 68.1% of the metatarsus adductus patients and corrected the deformity more frequently in girls compared to boys. Conclusion: Corrective bandages showed high effectiveness, particularly in girls (AU)

[Orthopedic shoe treatment: Inserts]. / Orthopädische Schuhversorgung: Einlagen.

The use of inserts and orthopedic shoe adjustment represents an essential component of the conservative therapy of degenerative diseases and deformities of the musculoskeletal system. Inserts can have supportive, bedding and corrective effects and are used in particular for complaints of the feet and ankles. The combination of diverse materials allows a high level of cushioning and supporting features and corresponding longevity to be accomplished. The production is carried out on an individual basis and if necessary computer-assisted in order to achieve an optimal fit. For severe and rigid deformities the formation of pressure ulcers can be prevented by orthopedic shoe adjustment and by the use of orthopedic tailor-made shoes.

Impacto de un entrenamiento robótico de la marcha en pacientes con mielomeningocele / Robotic gait training impact in patients with myelomeningocele

Introducción: Los defectos del tubo neural, en especial el mielomeningocele (MMC), son causa de discapacidad para la marcha con un grado variable de severidad, según el nivel de lesión. Dentro de las intervenciones terapéuticas, se propone utilizar el entrenamiento robótico de la marcha (ERM). Objetivo: Evaluar los efectos del ERM en pacientes con MMC del Centro de Rehabilitación Infantil Teletón (CRIT) Guerrero. Material y métodos: Estudio casi experimental, prospectivo y longitudinal, realizado en 5 pacientes con MMC de grado L3 o más bajo, según la clasificación de Sharrard, en los que se aplicó la escala American Spinal Cord Association (ASIA), la prueba de la caminata de 6 minutos, los cuestionarios Functional Independence Measure (FIM) y Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM III), y los parámetros de Lokomat (distancia recorrida, velocidad, descarga y fuerza guiada), antes y después del tratamiento. En total se proporcionaron 10 sesiones de 30 minutos, 2 veces por semana. Se llevó a cabo la recopilación de los datos mediante el programa Excel versión 2010, y el análisis estadístico con la prueba de la t de Student (p <0,05) para establecer la significación estadística. Resultados: Se encontró significación estadística en las variables de la escala ASIA motor total (p= 0,05) y la funcionalidad, determinada por las escalas SCIM III (p= 0,005) y FIM (p= 0,0005), así como la distancia recorrida en la prueba de la caminata de 6 minutos (p= 0,03) y los parámetros de Lokomat® Pro: fuerza guiada (p= 0,002), velocidad de la marcha (p= 0,03) y descarga de peso (p= 0,0008). Las variables sin cambios fueron la sensibilidad (ASIA) y la distancia recorrida. Conclusiones: El ERM representa una herramienta más en la mejora de la función para la marcha en pacientes con MMC, ya que es posible controlar las variables de entrenamiento de forma constante, ofreciendo la posibilidad de mejorar la fuerza en miotomos preservados y la funcionalidad (AU)

Introduction: Neural tube defects, especially myelomeningocele (MMC), are cause of disability for walking with varying degrees of severity, depending on the level of injury. Within therapeutic interventions intends to use the robotic training run (ERM). Objective: To evaluate the effects of MRA in patients with MMC CRIT Guerrero. Material and methods: Quasi-experimental, prospective and longitudinal study in 5 patients with MMC Sharrard L3 or lower, evaluating the ASIA, walk test six minutes, FIM, SCIM III and Lokomat parameters (distance, speed, download and Guided) strength, before and after treatment. In total 10 sessions of 30 minutes were provided, 2 times a week. Collecting data using Excel version 2010 and statistical analysis with Student t test (p <0.05) to establish statistical significance. Results: Statistical significance was found between the variables of the total score ASIA motor (p= 0.05); functionality: SCIM III (p= 0.005), FIM (p= 0.0005), distance in 6-minute walk (p= 0.03). Lokomat® Pro parameters: guided force (p= 0.002), walking speed (p= 0.03) and discharge weight (p= 0.0008). The variables were unchanged sensitivity (ASIA), and distance. Conclusions: The ERM is a tool to improve gait function in patients with MMC, since it is possible to control training variables constantly, offering the possibility of improving strength in myotomes preserved and functionality (AU)

Effects of custom-made insoles on idiopathic pes cavus foot during walking.

From a subject group of pes cavus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the biomechanical characteristics of lower limbs, based on plantar foot pressure and electromyography (EMG) activities, by the effects on two kind of custom-made insoles. Ten individuals among thirty females with a clinical diagnosis of idiopathic pes cavus (mean age (SD): 22.3 (0.08) years) were selected for the study. The plantar foot pressure data and EMG activities of four lower limb muscles were collected, when subjects walked on a treadmill, under three different experimental conditions. The plantar foot pressure data was analyzed, after the bilateral foot was divided into three areas of masks and into four sections of stance phase, to compare plantar foot pressure. The EMG activities were analyzed for integrated EMG (IEMG) value. The results show that plantar foot pressure concentrated in particular parts is decreased by custom-made insoles. In the case of EMG, all the muscle activities decreased significantly. The custom-made insoles dispersed pressure concentrated by the higher medial longitudinal arch and improved the efficient use of muscles. In particular, the extension structure in the forefoot of custom-made insoles was more efficient for pes cavus. Therefore, it could help patients to walk, by offering support to prevent the disease of pes cavus deformity, and to relieve the burden and fatigue in the lower limbs on gait.

A systematic review: the effects of podiatrical deviations on nonspecific chronic low back pain.

Lower back pain (LBP) is a widespread, expensive, and debilitating problem in Western industrialized countries. Though LBP can be caused by acute injuries, biomechanical discrepancies have also been indicated to cause chronic LBP. A possible link between podiatrical deviations and LBP has been established in the literature; yet, no comprehensive review investigating the effects of foot and ankle deviations on low back pain has been published. The aim of this study was to assess the relevant literature concerning the effects of foot and ankle deviations on LBP. After review, it was determined that there is limited research regarding ankle and foot deviations and their connection to LBP. Reviewed studies have linked flat feet, ankle instability, sagittal plane blockage and excessive pronation to LBP. Specifically, excessive pronation has been shown to cause leg length discrepancies leading to pelvic tilts and LBP. Based on these results, ankle and foot deviations can be considered a potential cause for LBP due to the disruption of the kinetic chain from the foot to the back. Clinicians should consider the foot and ankle when addressing LBP, especially if more conventional etiologies fail to describe the condition.

Effectiveness of neuromuscular stretching with symmetrical biphasic electric currents in the cavus foot.

BACKGROUND: Pes cavus is a structural deformity in which the increased plantar arch can lead to greater metatarsal verticality with the consequent excess of pressure under the forefoot zone (especially the metatarsal zone), causing pain and significant loss of functional capacity. We sought to determine whether neuromuscular stretching with symmetrical rectangular biphasic currents can reduce the pressure supported by this zone. METHODS: This prospective, nonrandomized, longitudinal, analytical, and experimental controlled trial included 34 patients with pes cavus. Pedobarometric measurements were made using the footscan USB Gait Clinical System platform considering the toes and metatarsal heads, forefoot, midfoot, and hindfoot before and after performing stretching using a Med Tens 931 electrotherapy device. The measurements were repeated 7 days after the application. RESULTS: With the Student t test for paired samples, we showed that there was a significant decline in metatarsal pressure (P < .001) in the zones of the first (P = .045) and third (P = .01) metatarsals and that this reduction was maintained 1 week after the plantar stretching. CONCLUSIONS: Plantar stretching with symmetrical rectangular biphasic currents is effective for the prevention and treatment of pes cavus metatarsalgia caused by excessive pressure.

Dose-response effects of customised foot orthoses on lower limb muscle activity and plantar pressures in pronated foot type.

Customised foot orthoses (FOs) featuring extrinsic rearfoot posting are commonly prescribed for individuals with a symptomatic pronated foot type. By altering the angle of the posting it is purported that a controlled dose-response effect during the stance phase of gait can be achieved, however these biomechanical changes have yet to be characterised. Customised FOs were administered to participant groups with symptomatic pronated foot types and asymptomatic normal foot types. The electromyographic (EMG) and plantar pressure effects of varying the dose were measured. Dose was varied by changing the angle of posting from 6° lateral to 10° medial in 2° steps on customised devices produced using computer aided orthoses design software. No effects due to posting level were found for EMG variables. Significant group effects were seen with customised FOs reducing above knee muscle activity in pronated foot types compared to normal foot types (biceps femoris p=0.022; vastus lateralis p<0.001; vastus medialis p=0.001). Interaction effects were seen for gastrocnemius medialis and soleus. Significant linear effects of posting level were seen for plantar pressure at the lateral rearfoot (p=0.001), midfoot (p<0.001) and lateral forefoot (p=0.002). A group effect was also seen for plantar pressure at the medial heel (p=0.009). This study provides evidence that a customised FOs can provide a dose response effect for selected plantar pressure variables, but no such effect could be identified for muscle activity. Foot type may play an important role in the effect of customised orthoses on activity of muscles above the knee.

Offloading effect of therapeutic footwear in patients with diabetic neuropathy at high risk for plantar foot ulceration.

AIMS: Custom-made therapeutic footwear is often prescribed to patients with diabetic neuropathy, foot deformity and a healed plantar foot ulcer. Offloading these feet is important to prevent ulcer recurrence. The aim was to evaluate the offloading effect of custom-made footwear in these patients. METHODS: In 171 patients with diabetic neuropathy (336 feet) with foot deformity and a recently healed plantar foot ulcer, plantar pressures walking barefoot and inside new custom-made footwear were measured. At the previous ulcer location and at locations of highest barefoot pressure attributable to the deformity, in-shoe pressures were compared with non-deformed feet. The footwear was considered effective in offloading when in-shoe peak pressure at these locations was < 200 kPa. RESULTS: Mean in-shoe peak pressures ranged between 211 and 308 kPa in feet with forefoot deformity (vs. 191-222 kPa in non-deformed feet) and between 140 and 187 kPa in feet with midfoot deformity (vs. 112 kPa in non-deformed feet). Offloading was effective in 61% of all feet with deformity, 81% of feet with midfoot deformity, 44% of feet with forefoot deformity and 62% of previous ulcer locations. Inter-subject variability in measured in-shoe plantar pressure was large. CONCLUSIONS: Offloading in custom-made footwear is often not sufficiently achieved in high-risk diabetic feet with deformity. Highest offloading success rates were seen at known high-risk locations such as previous ulcer locations and Charcot feet, the lowest success rates in forefoot deformities. Together with the large inter-subject variability in pressure outcomes, this emphasizes the need for evidence-based prescription and evaluation procedures to assure adequate offloading.

Metatarso aducto congénito: clasificación clínica y actitud terapéutica / Congenital metatarsus adductus: a clinical classification and therapeutic attitude

Objetivo. En este estudio se propone una clasificación clínico-terapéutica para el metatarso aducto congénito, con el objetivo de aunar criterios de diagnóstico y tratamiento, así como anticipar un pronóstico. Material y métodos. Seleccionamos 87 pacientes (144 pies) que se clasifican según su gravedad: •- Grado 1: antepié en aducción. Corrección total de la deformidad. •- Grado 2: antepié en aducción e inversión. Borde externo convexo (base del quinto metatarsiano palpable). Borde interno cóncavo. Arco longitudinal normal. Corrección parcial. •- Grado 3: grado 2 asociado a surcos transversales. No corregible. Tratamos el grado 1 con estimulación y manipulación. Para el grado 2 y 3 se realiza estimulación, manipulación y vendaje corrector, añadiendo férulas y botas de horma recta (opcional en el grado 2). Se ha realizado un estudio estadístico para determinar los casos que necesitan tratamiento, su duración y su eficacia. Resultados. Los 73 pies grado 1, 55 grado 2 y 16 grado 3 de nuestra serie se trataron de la forma indicada. Se consiguió la corrección total de 137 pies. La duración global del tratamiento fue de 4,65 meses, el período de corrección de 2,98 y el de seguimiento fue de 8,57 meses. Estos parámetros se asocian de manera significativa (p<0,05) con el grado de afectación. Conclusiones. Ninguno de nuestros pacientes precisó el uso de yesos ni intervención quirúrgica, lo que unido al porcentaje de correcciones totales nos hace pensar que nuestro protocolo es aceptable (AU)

Objective. This study proposes to make a clinical and therapeutic classification for congenital metatarsus adductus in order to unify criteria for diagnosis and treatment as well as to anticipate a prognosis. Material and methods. We selected 87 patients (144 feet) that were classified according to their severity: Grade 1: forefoot adduction. Total correction of the deformity. Grade 2: forefoot adduction and inversion. Convex outer edge (palpable first metatarsal base). Concave inner edge. Normal longitudinal arch. Partial correction. Grade 3: Grade 2 associated with transverse grooves. Uncorrectable. We treated level 1 with stimulation and manipulation. For grade 2 and 3 we applied stimulation, manipulation and corrective dressing, adding braces and straight-last boots (optional in grade 2). We performed a statistical study to identify cases that needed treatment, its duration and efficacy. Results. The 73 feet of grade 1, 55 grade 2 and 16 grade 3 of our series were treated as indicated. Total correction was achieved in 137 feet. Overall duration of treatment was 4.65 months, correction period 2.98 and monitoring was 8.57 months. These parameters were significantly associated (P<.05) with the degree of impairment. Conclusions. The percentage of total corrections and the fact that none of our patients required the use of casts or surgery makes us consider that our protocol is acceptable (AU)

Repeatability of a 3D multi-segment foot model protocol in presence of foot deformities.

Repeatability studies on 3D multi-segment foot models (3DMFMs) have mainly considered healthy participants which contrasts with the widespread application of these models to evaluate foot pathologies. The current study aimed at establishing the repeatability of the 3DMFM described by Leardini et al. in presence of foot deformities. Foot kinematics of eight adult participants were analyzed using a repeated-measures design including two therapists with different levels of experience. The inter-trial variability was higher compared to the kinematics of healthy subjects. Consideration of relative angles resulted in the lowest inter-session variability. The absolute 3D rotations between the Sha-Cal and Cal-Met seem to have the lowest variability in both therapists. A general trend towards higher σ(sess)/σ(trial) ratios was observed when the midfoot was involved. The current study indicates that not only relative 3D rotations and planar angles can be measured consistently in patients, also a number of absolute parameters can be consistently measured serving as basis for the decision making process.

Quality of life in individuals with chronic foot conditions: a cross sectional observational study.

BACKGROUND: Chronic foot conditions have been reported to be a significant cause of impairment and disability to individuals affected. However, studies to date have particularly focussed on patient satisfaction with outcomes following surgery. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to examine the impact of three common foot conditions on the levels of impairment and quality of life prior to surgery. Three conditions include Hallux Valgus (HV), Hallux Rigidus (HR) and Hammer Toe (HT). METHODS: This was a pilot cross-sectional observational study of people who were radiologically and clinically diagnosed with one of the three common foot pathologies: HV, HR and HT. Age and gender matched controls were also recruited. Self-reported quality of life was measured. RESULTS: The SF-36 scores did not differ significantly between the groups. There was a significant difference in self reported impairment between the groups on the Global Foot and Ankle Scale indicating that the 'bilateral foot group' perceived themselves to be significantly more impaired than their counterparts in the control group. CONCLUSION: Patient quality of life is now recognised as one of the most important outcomes of surgery. These findings serve to highlight the level of impairment and quality of life of individuals prior to surgery.

Pathology-designed custom molded foot orthoses.

Treating patients with custom foot orthoses for common pathologies is a rewarding experience when the proper steps are taken during foot casting and custom-orthosis prescription writing. This article describes successful methods for orthoses casting and prescription writing for custom-molded orthoses for Achilles tendonitis, pes planus, hallux limitus, plantar fasciitis/heel spurs, lateral ankle instability, metatarsalgia, and pes cavus. In addition, a summary of orthotic laboratory instructions for each pathology-designed custom orthosis is provided, which should be considered by orthotic laboratories.

Utilidad de las plantillas conformadas / Benefits of insoles custom-made

Propuesta. Objetivar la utilidad de las plantillas instrumentadas en una consulta hospitalaria para la correcta prescripción de plantillas conformadas y la necesidad de revisión de las mismas hasta su adaptación. Diseño. Estudio prospectivo. Material y métodos. Se estudiaron 59 pacientes (53,7±13 años y predominio femenino, 74,6%). De 103 pies analizados, 67 (65%) presentaban dolor en antepié y 36 (35%) en medio-retropié (talalgia y/o fascitis plantar). Mediante plantillas instrumentadas (Biofoot/IBV, Valencia) se valoraron las presiones plantares basales y tras colocación de plantillas conformadas (picos máximos, PM y presiones medias, Pm) así como el dolor mediante EVA. Resultados. Tras una media de dos revisiones, se consiguieron unas plantillas conformadas que lograban una disminución de todas las presiones, aportando un alivio sintomático significativo (EVA basal de 64±18, final de 31±20, p<0,05), mayor en la patología del retropié. En las metatarsalgias, se redujeron significativamente los picos de presión del antepié (PM de 1.851,0kPa), y en las talalgias del retropié (PM de 1.357,2kPa), en un 16 y 45% respectivamente. Se logró un descenso de todas las presiones medias, significativo en la zona externa, retropié y antepié. No existió correlación entre la disminución de las PM y la disminución del EVA. Conclusión. Mediante plantillas, es posible lograr una mejoría sintomática en las algias plantares, cuando están bien conformadas, siendo necesarias varias correcciones incluso cuando se realizan con ayuda de mapa de presiones. Las plantillas instrumentadas son una buena herramienta de trabajo en la consulta que facilita la correcta prescripción y chequeo de las mismas (AU)

Proposal. To objective the usefulness of instrumented insoles for the prescription of the custom-made insoles and need of control. Design. Prospective study. Material and methods. We studied 59 patients (53.7±13 years and female predominance, 74.6%). From 103 feet examined, 67 (65%) had pain in forefoot and 36 (35%) in mid-hindfoot (heel pain and/or plantar fascitis). Using instrumented insoles (Biofoot/IBV Valencia), plantar pressures were assessed at baseline and after placement of custom-made insoles (peak PM and mean pressure, Pm) and pain by VAS. Results. After an average of two reviews, we got a few insoles that achieve a reduction of all the pressure, providing significant symptomatic relief (VAS baseline of 64±18, end 31±20, p<0.05), higher in the pathology of hindfoot. In metatarsalgias, were significantly reduced peak forefoot pressure (PM of 1851.0kPa), and the hindfoot in the heel pain (PM of 1357.2kPa) for 16% and 45% respectively. There was a decrease in all mean pressures, significant in the hindfoot and forefoot. There was no correlation between the reduction of PM and the decline in EVA. Conclusion. Using custom-made insoles, can be achieved symptomatic improvement in plantar algias where these are well formed, still needed several corrections of the same, even when performed with the aid of pressure map. The instrumented insoles are a good tool that facilitates the correct manufacture of the same (AU)

Equino bilateral de tobillo: tratamiento mediante soporte plantar / No disponible

En el presente trabajo se realiza una recopilación bibliográfica sobre la patología del pie equino y sus diferentes tratamientos. Esta patología repercute directamente en toda la estructura anatómica del pie, alterando el apoyo del retropié, provocando mecanismos compensatorios en mediopié y en antepié, modificando las fases normales de la marcha. Es necesario por tanto, realizar una buena valoración del paciente para poder realizar el tratamiento adecuado evitando todos los posibles mecanismos compensatorios. A continuación, se expone un caso clínico de una persona joven que padece esta patología(AU)

In this work, is performed a recopilation of bibliography about equinus foot and their differents treatments. It has a direct effect on the anatomical and functional structure of the foot, alterating the normal heal of the rearfoot, and making compensatory mechanisms in both midfoot and forefoot as consequence. It can modify normal gait phases too. By this reason, it’s therefore necessary to do a good evaluation of the patient to perform adequate treatment to avoid any potential compensatory mechanisms. We present a clinical report of a young person suffering from this pathology(AU)

[The organization of specialized care in case of pathology of foot and talocrural articulation].

The nozoological structure of podiatric pathology in Novosibirsk oblast is represented mainly by the injuries of talocrural articulation (39.2% of examined patients), deformation of foot (20.7%) and degenerative lesion of foot (15.9%), fractures of heel bone (4.2%). This pathology has higher social significance. The main cause of disability is the deforming arthritis of talocrural articulation (48.5%) and subtalar articulation (20.3%). The model of specialized podiatric care was developed and approved in the functioning of Novosibirsk specialized podiatric center. The model includes outpatient, diagnostic, treatment, rehabilitation stages. The implementation of this approach permits to avoid the re-appealability to municipal medical care system and application to the specialized medical institution. This approach precipitates the period of care delivering and decreases the possibility of disabling patients due to non-effective treatment of podiatric pathology in common curative institution.

Tríplice artrodese na paralisia cerebral / Triple arthrodesis in cerebral palsy

OBJETIVOS: Avaliar o resultados clínicos díplice artrodese em portadores de paralisia cerebral espástica, verificar a correspondência entre os resultados e a escala AOFAS e os ângulos nos períodos pré e pós-operatórios. MÉTODOS: Entre 1985 e 2005, foram avaliados 34 pacientes (40 pés) submetidos a tríplice artrodese do pé, com acompanhamento médio de 91 meses, quanto a satisfação e dor, apoio plantígrado, deformidade residual e o arco de movimento do tornozelo e escala AOFAS. Foram avaliadas artrose de tornozelo, pseudoartrose das articulações e medidos os ângulos: talocalcâneo, talo-primeiro metatarsiano (APM) e tíbio-talar, e talocalcâneos (ATC) e o calcâneo-solo (ACS). RESULTADOS: Obtivemos bons resultados em 32,4 por cento dos casos e regulares em 44,1 por cento. 85,3 por cento dos pacientes estavam satisfeitos; 88,2 por cento tinham apoio plantígrado. Houve 33,3 por cento de resultados bons pela escala AOFAS e 24,2 por cento regulares. Na radiografia com incidência ântero-posterior, o APM apresentou melhora em média de 15º; no ACS, na incidência em perfil, melhora de 7º. No ATC, nas duas incidências, houve melhora de 1º. CONCLUSÕES: A triplice artrodese corrige ou melhora as deformidades, com grau de satisfação elevada, dando ao paciente pés plantígrados. A escala AOFAS teve fraca concordância com o resultado. Os APM e ACS foram os mais sensíveis na avaliação do procedimento cirúrgico.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the clinical results of triple arthrodesis in Cerebral Palsy patients and determine whether there is any correspondence between the results and the AOFAS scale, and changes in radiographic angles between the pre- and postoperative periods. METHODS: Between 1985 and 2005, thirty-four patients (40 feet) were submitted to triple arthrodesis of the foot, with an average follow-up time of ninety-one months. The evaluation consisted of the patient's satisfaction and the presence of pain, plantigrade support, residual deformity, range of movement of the ankle, and the AOFAS. Radiographs were made of the foot and ankle to assess the presence of ankle arthrosis, pseudarthrosis of the joints, and measurements of the following angles: talocalcaneal, talur-first metatarsal and tibiotalar, and talocalcaneal and calcaneal pitch. RESULTS: The results were good in 32.4 percent of cases, regular in 44.1 percent, satisfactory in 85.3 percent and 88.2 percent had plantigrade support. With the AOFAS scale, the results were good in 33.3 percent and regular in 24.2 percent. In the radiogra-phic assessment, the AP talar-first metatarsal angle showed an average improvement of 15º, the LAT calcaneous pitch improved by 7º. The talocalcaneal angles, both AP and LAT, improved in 1º. CONCLUSIONS: This study concluded that the triple arthrodesis corrects or improves these deformities; the patient showed a high level of satisfaction, most of them with a plantigrade foot. The AOFAS scale had low correlation with the result. The talur-first metatarsal and calcaneal pitch were the most sensitive in the evaluation of the surgical procedure.

Venous insufficiency and foot dysmorphism: effectiveness of visco-elastic rehabilitation systems on veno-muscle system of the foot and of the calf.

Chronic venous disease is very common and widespread. Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) is a condition characterized by hypertension of the venous system of the lower limbs which manifests itself through a large range of symptoms. The main cause of CVI is hypertension of the venous system of lower limbs, which in most cases is due to reflux for the incontinence of the valvar system of veins. Other causes are related to obstruction of the venous outflow, or at a reduced venous emptying due to inefficiency of the system of the veno-muscular pumps of the calf and of the foot. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if the use of a non-invasive rehabilitative mode to improve the efficiency of the veno-muscular pumps of the foot and of the calf using photoplethysmography in reflected light. Fifty (50) patients suffering from flatfoot and ped cavus, were studied doing a stabilometric and baropodometric test to evaluate the angle of the foot and the podalic angle. Patients were evaluated by examining vascular examination and venous reography in basal condition, using corrective visco-elastic insoles for the correction of dysmorphisms that we were studying. An improvement of the angle of the Right and Left axis (p<0.05) and the podalic angle (p<0.001), using the right insole both in the flatfoot and cavus foot, was shown by the podobarographic examination. A not important tendency to improvement was also shown by the use of non-specific insole in both pathologies. The vascular examination showed an improvement of 38 percent in venous emptying capacity of the foot/calf veno-muscular pump in cavus foot with the specific B insole (p<0.002). An important improvement of 24 percent, using the specific A insole (p<0.05), was documented in flatfoot. The photoplethysmography examination documented a significant improvement of the venous emptying capacity of foot-calf veno-muscular system due to the use of specific insoles for the studied dysmorphism, with an improving tendency even with the use of non-specific insoles. The hemodynamic improvement is correlated with the improvement of the analyzed biomechanical parameters: contact time, lenght of the halfstep, podalic angle and angle of the foot. The partial normalization of biomechanical parameters allows a reorganization of relationships of forces between ground and foot, as well as the improvement of the function of the subtalar joint, causing a partial recovery of the complex physiological mechanism of activation of the veno-muscular pumps of the foot and of the calf.

Development and reproducibility of a short questionnaire to measure use and usability of custom-made orthopaedic shoes.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a short and easy to use questionnaire to measure use and usability of custom-made orthopaedic shoes, and to investigate its reproducibility. DESIGN: Development of the questionnaire (Monitor Orthopaedic Shoes) was based on a literature search, expert interviews, 2 expert meetings, and exploration and testing of reproducibility. The questionnaire comprises 2 parts: a pre part, measuring expectations; and a post part, measuring experiences. PATIENTS: The pre part of the final version was completed twice by 37 first-time users before delivery of their orthopaedic shoes. The post part of the final version was completed twice by 39 first-time users who had worn their orthopaedic shoes for 2-4 months. RESULTS: High reproducibility scores (Cohen's kappa > 0.60 or intra class correlation > 0.70) were found in all but one question of both parts of the final version of the Monitor Orthopaedic Shoes questionnaire. The smallest real difference on a visual analogue scale (100 mm) ranged from 21 to 50 mm. It took patients approximately 15 minutes to complete one part. CONCLUSION: Monitor Orthopaedic Shoes is a practical and reproducible questionnaire that can measure relevant aspects of use and usability of orthopaedic shoes from a patient's perspective.

Scientific assessment of over-the-counter foot orthoses to determine their effects on pain, balance, and foot deformities.

BACKGROUND: A scientific study was conducted to evaluate the effects of non-custom-molded (over-the-counter) foot orthoses. METHODS: Several parameters were examined, including foot, knee, hip, and back pain; balance; and reduction in flexible deformities, such as hammer toes and hallux valgus. Wherever possible, objective measurements were used, including measurements of shifts in center of pressure to assess balance and changes in bone position examined on radiographs. Forty-one individuals were analyzed using one of two types of prefabricated, non-custom insoles. Insoles were fit by an assistant trained to follow the fitting recommendations of the manufacturer under the direct supervision of a podiatric physician. RESULTS: Use of these arch supports resulted in a significant reduction in some types of foot pain associated with hallux valgus (P = .04) and pain in the arch area (P = .004), knee (P = .002), and back (P = .007) by week 4. We also measured changes in foot position documented by radiography, although some changes may be attributed to parallax associated with measurement techniques. Improvement in balance was not observed to be significant when the orthoses were worn. CONCLUSIONS: Using both subjective and objective measures, we found that these over-the-counter foot orthoses were effective in bringing about changes in foot shape and concomitant relief of certain specific painful conditions. This study indicates that there is a scientific basis for attempting to relieve pain with orthoses.