Correlation of Posterior Tibial Tendon Ultrasound with Calcaneal Inclination Angle in Indonesian Professional Athletes with Medial Ankle Pain.

Background: Adult-acquired flatfoot deformity (AAFD) is characterized by partial or complete flattening of the longitudinal medial arch, which develops after maturity. AAFD secondary to posterior tibialis tendon dysfunction (PTTD) is one of professional athletes' most common foot and ankle pathologies. Different modalities and procedures can be used to establish the diagnosis of AAFD and PTTD. However, imaging measurements such as the calcaneal inclination index and ultrasonography (US) of the posterior tibialis tendon (PTT) in professional athletes with medial ankle and focal pain along the PTT have yet to be widely studied. This study investigates the correlation of PTT ultrasound for evaluating PTTD with calcaneal inclination angle (CIA) for evaluating AAFD in professional athletes with medial ankle and focal pain along the PTT. Through this study, clinicians and radiologists may benefit from considering AAFD in athletes with PTTD. Methods: 112 Indonesian professional athletes with medial ankle or foot pain and focal pain along the direction of the PTT underwent foot radiography using the CIA and ankle ultrasound to observe PTT abnormalities. Results: A negative correlation between fluid thickness surrounding the PTT and the CIA (p<0.001; 95% CI - 0.945, - 0.885), as well as a negative correlation between PTT thickness and CIA (p<0.001, 95% CI - 0.926, - 0.845), with a correlation coefficient (r) of - 0.921 and - 0.892, respectively. No significant correlation was found between PTT tear and CIA (p = 0.728; 95% CI -0.223, - 0.159; r - 0.033). Conclusion: This study showed a negative correlation between PTTD and AAFD via ultrasound and CIA in professional athletes with medial ankle and focal pain along the PTT. A better understanding of PTTD and AAFD imaging will lead to more effective management and prompt treatment.

Morphological changes in flatfoot: a 3D analysis using weight-bearing CT scans.

BACKGROUND: Flatfoot is a condition resulting from complex three-dimensional (3D) morphological changes. Most Previous studies have been constrained by using two-dimensional radiographs and non-weight-bearing conditions. The deformity in flatfoot is associated with the 3D morphology of the bone. These morphological changes affect the force line conduction of the hindfoot/midfoot/forefoot, leading to further morphological alterations. Given that a two-dimensional plane axis overlooks the 3D structural information, it is essential to measure the 3D model of the entire foot in conjunction with the definition under the standing position. This study aims to analyze the morphological changes in flatfoot using 3D measurements from weight-bearing CT (WBCT). METHOD: In this retrospective comparative our CT database was searched between 4-2021 and 3-2022. Following inclusion criteria were used: Patients were required to exhibit clinical symptoms suggestive of flatfoot, including painful swelling of the medial plantar area or abnormal gait, corroborated by clinical examination and confirmatory radiological findings on CT or MRI. Healthy participants were required to be free of any foot diseases or conditions affecting lower limb movement. After applying the exclusion criteria (Flatfoot with other foot diseases), CT scans (mean age = 20.9375, SD = 16.1) confirmed eligible for further analysis. The distance, angle in sagittal/transverse/coronal planes, and volume of the two groups were compared on reconstructed 3D models using the t-test. Logistic regression was used to identify flatfoot risk factors, which were then analyzed using receiver operating characteristic curves and nomogram. RESULT: The flatfoot group exhibited significantly lower values for calcaneofibular distance (p = 0.001), sagittal and transverse calcaneal inclination angle (p < 0.001), medial column height (p < 0.001), sagittal talonavicular coverage angle (p < 0.001), and sagittal (p < 0.001) and transverse (p = 0.015) Hibb angle. In contrast, the sagittal lateral talocalcaneal angle (p = 0.013), sagittal (p < 0.001) and transverse (p = 0.004) talocalcaneal angle, transverse talonavicular coverage angle (p < 0.001), coronal Hibb angle (p < 0.001), and sagittal (p < 0.001) and transverse (p = 0.001) Meary's angle were significantly higher in the flatfoot group. The sagittal Hibb angle (B = - 0.379, OR = 0.684) and medial column height (B = - 0.990, OR = 0.372) were identified as significant risk factors for acquiring a flatfoot. CONCLUSION: The findings validate the 3D spatial position alterations in flatfoot. These include the abduction of the forefoot and prolapse of the first metatarsal proximal, the arch collapsed, subluxation of the talonavicular joint in the midfoot, adduction and valgus of the calcaneus, adduction and plantar ward movement of the talus in the hindfoot, along with the first metatarsal's abduction and dorsiflexion in the forefoot.

Pedobarography and ankle-foot kinematics in children with symptomatic flexible flatfoot after medialising calcaneal osteotomy and controls: a comparative study.

PURPOSE: Flexible flatfoot (FF) can interrupt children's activity through uneven pressure distribution to the medial column of the foot and may require surgery. Medialising calcaneal osteotomy (MCO) helps restore the foot‒tripod complex. The objective was to compare pedobarography and ankle‒foot kinematics in children with symptomatic FF after MCO to those in controls. METHODS: Gait analysis was performed on 21 children with FF (37 feet, age 13.7 ± 4.9 years) 4.5 ± 3.4 years after MCO and on 21 controls (42 feet, age 12.1 ± 1.1 years). Ankle‒foot kinematics and pedobarography parameters (maximum pressure, impulse, contact area, and percentage of contact time in the stance phase) of ten anatomic foot regions from an average of five gait trials were compared. The functional outcome was determined by the AOFAS-AHFS score in the FF group. RESULTS: The average AOFAS-AHFS score was 96. The FF group had a larger contact area and expressed more force on the medial column of the foot. The maximum pressure, impulse, contact area, and percentage of contact time in the stance phase in the midfoot region for the FF and control groups were 0.66 ± 0.5 vs. 0.24 ± 0.4 N/cm2 (p = 0.005), 0.12 ± 0.1 vs. 0.03 ± 0.1 Ns/cm2 (p = 0.02), 47.1 ± 13.4 vs. 30.1 ± 7.1 cm2 (p < 0.001), and 53.7 ± 17.4 vs. 68.2 ± 15.7% (p = 0.007), respectively. The kinematics of the FF exhibited a greater range of abduction and eversion during the mid- and terminal-stance phases of the gait cycle. CONCLUSIONS: The MCO procedure did not normalise the pressure on the midfoot in FF to the level of that in the controls, and the deformity persisted in the forefoot.

Treating symptomatic flexible flatfoot deformities. a novel technique: comparison of uc berkeley laboratory foot orthosis with and without kinesio taping in juvenil athletes.

PURPOSE: Symptomatic flexible pes planus (SFPP) can cause pain and discomfort when walking or engaging in sportive activities in children and adolescents. SFPP can be treated conservatively with foot orthoses, such as the University of California Berkeley Laboratory (UCBL) foot orthosis, which can improve foot function and reduce pain. Kinesio Tape (KT) has also been used as an adjunct to foot orthoses in the treatment of pes planus. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of the UCBL foot orthosis with and without KT in the treatment of SFPP among amateur juvenile and adolescent athletes. METHODS: Fifty patients with SFPP were included in the study. In 27 patients UCBL foot orthosis with KT (group 1) was used whereas in 23 UCBL (group 2) was preferred only. The patients were evaluated with AOFAS and radiological measurements. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 28.6 ± 4.3(26) months. At the final follow-up AOFAS of group 1 was significantly higher than group 2. In group 2, 12 patients (%52,17) had pressure sores that caused superficial dermabrasion. Lateral TFMAs and talocalcaneal angle in group 1 was significantly better than group 2. CONCLUSIONS: This study attempted to determine if using KT with the UCBL foot orthosis was beneficial to the treatment of SFPP compared to simply wearing the orthosis. Our results suggest that KT is effective in reducing pronation and improving the AOFAS score. The use of UCBL with KT seems to be preferable in children and adolescents with SFPP since it is associated with a lower rate of complication, a higher degree of patient compliance and faster improvement in the radiological and clinical findings, compared to the use of the UCBL orthosis alone.

Impact of the medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy on foot biomechanics: a systematic literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Progressive collapsing foot deformity (PCFD), formally known as "adult-acquired flatfoot deformity" (AAFFD), is a complex foot deformity consisting of multiple components. If surgery is required, joint-preserving procedures, such as a medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy (MDCO), are frequently performed. The aim of this systematic review is to provide a summary of the evidence on the impact of MDCO on foot biomechanics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic literature search across two major sources (PubMed and Scopus) without time limitation was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria. Only original research studies reporting on biomechanical changes following a MDCO were included. Exclusion criteria consisted of review articles, case studies, and studies not written in English. 27 studies were included and the methodologic quality graded according to the QUACS scale and the modified Coleman score. RESULTS: The 27 included studies consisted of 18 cadaveric, 7 studies based on biomechanical models, and 2 clinical studies. The impact of MDCO on the following five major parameters were assessed: plantar fascia (n = 6), medial longitudinal arch (n = 9), hind- and midfoot joint pressures (n = 10), Achilles tendon (n = 5), and gait pattern parameters (n = 3). The quality of the studies was moderate to good with a pooled mean QUACS score of 65% (range 46-92%) for in-vitro and a pooled mean Coleman score of 58 (range 56-65) points for clinical studies. CONCLUSION: A thorough knowledge of how MDCO impacts foot function is key in properly understanding the postoperative effects of this commonly performed procedure. According to the evidence, MDCO impacts the function of the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon, the integrity of the medial longitudinal arch, hind- and midfoot joint pressures, and consequently specific gait pattern parameters.

Ultrasound assessment of the spring ligament and posterior tibial tendon in healthy subjects: A descriptive study.

BACKGROUND: The main aim of this study was to ultrasonographically analyse the thickness and the relationship between the Superomedial Bundle of the Spring Ligament and the Posterior Tibial Tendon in healthy subjects and its relationship with different epidemiological variables. METHODS: Fifty-five healthy feet with a mean of 47 years old measuring the same ultrasound model and researcher. Demographic variables (age, sex, laterality, BMI, type of sports activity performed, and type of work activity) were collected from all participants. The thickness of the PTT and the Spring Ligament was measured in both longitudinal and transverse diameters. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was also analysed to assess the agreement of the measurements between a researcher and the ultrasound specialist radiologist. RESULTS: The mean thickness of the Spring ligament was 5.07 mm (95 % CI 4.75-5.38), while that of the PTT in its long axis was 3.58 mm (95 % CI 3.37-3.79). Regarding the interobserver agreement analysis, the intraclass correlation coefficient for measurements between observers was 0.91 (CI95 %: 0.698-0.977) which denotes a high degree of similarity between the clinician and the radiologist. CONCLUSION: This study describes the relationships between the thickness of the posterior tibial tendon and the superomedial Bundle of the Spring ligament in healthy subjects, as well as their variability according to certain epidemiological variables such as age, gender, occupation, and sport. On the other hand, the measurements taken by a researcher high agreement with those taken by a radiologist specialized in ultrasound.

Analysis of the Effect of Early Intensified Follow-Up on the Treatment of Pediatric Flatfoot With Subtalar Arthroereisis.

As children are a special group, the optimal management approach for pediatric patients with flatfoot after subtalar arthroereisis remains unclear. This study aims to explore the clinical effects of early intensified follow-up compared to conventional follow-up for such patients. We conducted a prospective study on 83 pediatric flatfoot patients from January 2019 to June 2022. Patients were divided into early intensive follow-up and routine follow-up groups. The study compared preoperative, 3 months postoperative, and 1-year postoperative Maryland Foot Function Scores, American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores, and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores, etc. At 3 months postoperatively, the early intensified follow-up group showed significantly higher Maryland Foot Score and surgery satisfaction compared to the conventional follow-up group. There were no statistical differences in other indicators at 3 months postoperatively, and all observed indicators at 1 year postoperatively. In conclusion, early intensive follow-up can accelerate the functional recovery process of pediatric flatfoot patients undergoing subtalar arthroereisis and improve surgical satisfaction. Increasing medical resource investment for enhanced postoperative management is valuable for such patients.

Isolated Subtalar Repositional Arthrodesis Compared With Triple Arthrodesis for the Treatment of Progressive Collapsing Foot Deformity.

The optimal extent of arthrodesis for severe and rigid progressive collapsing foot deformity is controversial. Traditionally, triple arthrodesis has been recommended; however, good results have been reported using subtalar arthrodesis only. We compared the results of triple arthrodesis and isolated subtalar repositional arthrodesis. A total of 22 symptomatic feet were evaluated retrospectively. Isolated subtalar repositional arthrodesis was performed in 13 cases (the subtalar group) and double or triple arthrodesis in 9 cases (the triple group). Various radiographic variables for assessing flatfoot and osteoarthritic changes in ankle and tarsal joints were measured and compared between the 2 groups at 3 time points: preoperatively, 3 months postoperatively, and 4 y postoperatively. Additionally, we analyzed various factors that affect postoperative valgus talar tilt in the ankle joint, which has been associated with poor prognosis. There were no differences in preoperative demographic data and the severity of the disease between the 2 groups; both groups showed improvement in radiographic parameters postoperatively compared with preoperative results. With the numbers available, no significant differences could be detected in postoperative radiographic measurements between the 2 groups. Of all the variables analyzed, postoperative hindfoot alignment angle was associated with postoperative talar tilt development. Additionally, postoperative talar tilt was observed more in triple group than in subtalar group. In conclusion, isolated subtalar repositional arthrodesis is an effective procedure to correct advanced progressive collapsing foot deformity. In addition, Chorpart joint arthrodesis with improper position can cause valgus talar tilt in the ankle joint.

Outcomes of the "Calcaneo-stop" procedure for treating symptomatic flexible flatfoot in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 2394 feet.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluates the efficacy of the calcaneo-stop (C-Stop) procedure's effectiveness in treating symptomatic flexible flatfoot (FFF) in children. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted using PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases to identify studies until 2023 on the outcomes of the C-Stop procedure in children with FFF. The risk of bias was assessed using MINORS criteria. RESULTS: Of 85 studies screened, 20 involving 2394 feet from 1415 patients (mean age 11.2 ± 1.3 years) were included. Post-procedure, significant improvements were noted in pain reduction (93.5%), heel alignment (95.21%), and radiological measures, including reductions in Kite (7.32º), Meary (11.65º), Costa-Bartani angles (17.11º), talar declination (12.63º) and increase in Calcaneal Pitch Angle (5.92º). AOFAS scores increased by 22.32 points on average, with 94.83% reporting high satisfaction. Complication rate was low (7.8%). CONCLUSIONS: The C-Stop procedure is effective for treating FFF in children, offering significant clinical, radiological, and functional improvements with high patient satisfaction and a low complication rate. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Systematic review of Level-IV studies.

Endoscopic assisted flexor digitorum longus transfer in flexible flatfoot.

BACKGROUND: Posterior tibial tendon insufficiency is the commonest cause of adult flexible flatfoot. Transfer of the flexor digitorum longus (FDL) has been described a therapeutic arsenal in flexible flat feet and posterior tibial tendon disorders. It is often combined with bony procedure (open or percutaneous calcaneal osteotomy). METHODS: We describe a technique and the steps endoscopic approach of FDL transfer. RESULTS: The procedure is able to be performed safely and reproducible under perfect viewing CONCLUSION: In the future with a clinical study investigating, we purpose the results of such surgery in a cohort of patients with flexible flatfoot. Level IV Therapeutic study: case serie. No funding was received for this research project.

Talocalcaneal coalition classifications: A critical analysis review and suggested new classification system with implications for treatment.

Talocalcaneal coalitions (TCC) is the second most frequent tarsal coalition reported. Our aim was to review talocalcaneal coalition classifications and to propose a new classification emphasizing a therapeutic approach. None of the classifications described for TCC mention the presence of flatfoot or valgus hindfoot, which are the key elements when defining the optimal treatment of this disease. We defined five clinical and radiological factors that would guide the choice of surgical treatment and based on these, we proposed a new classification system.

A modified lateral column lengthening for the treatment of flexible flatfoot: From clinical applications to finite element analysis.

BACKGROUND: Finite element (FE) analysis and clinical follow-up were used to evaluate the efficacy of a modified lateral column lengthening (H-LCL) for treating flexible flatfoot. METHODS: By applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, we selected patients who underwent H-LCL surgery at our institution from January 2019 to January 2023. We compared the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores, Pain Interference (PI), and Physical Function (PF) scores in Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) between preoperative and final follow-up assessments of patients, as well as FE submodels. Furthermore, evaluate the H-LCL's biomechanical characteristics and clinical outcome before and after surgery. RESULTS: A total of 66 patients met the criteria. The average surgery time was 69.47 ± 13.22 min, and the follow-up duration was 15.18 ± 6.40 months. In the last follow-up, VAS and PI decreased compared to before surgery, while AOFAS and PF increased compared to before surgery. Meary's angle (dorsoplantar image and lateral image), calcaneal valgus angle, and talonavicular coverage angle decreased compared to before surgery, while the pitch angle increased compared to before surgery. In FE analysis, postoperative tension on the plantar fascia (PF), spring ligament (SL), and posterior tibial tendon (PTT) decreased compared to before surgery, pressure on the talonavicular joint and subtalar joints also decreased compared to before surgery, and there was no significant change in pressure on the calcaneocuboid joint. CONCLUSION: H-LCL in correcting flexible flatfoot resulted in a significant improvement of clinical outcome scores and led to good radiological correction of flatfoot deformities. It can reduce the soft tissue and interosseous pressure in maintaining the foot arch.

Does foot shape really matter? Correlation of patient reported outcomes with radiographic assessment in progressive collapsing foot deformity reconstruction: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: In progressive collapsing foot deformity (PCFD), the goal of surgery is to obtain a well-balanced plantigrade foot. It remains unclear if restoration of the alignment and subsequent improvement in radiological parameters is associated with improved patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). The aim of the current systematic review was to investigate whether there is a correlation between radiographic assessment and PROMs in patients treated surgically for flexible PCFD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted in compliance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was performed in Pubmed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trails (CENTRAL), and KINAHL. We included all the studies reporting both PROMs and radiological outcomes in patients treated surgically for PCFD. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal tool. RESULTS: Six retrospective studies were included. Radiological parameters related to forefoot plantarflexion were associated with statistically significant differences in postoperative PROMs. A neutral hindfoot and midfoot position was positively correlated with postoperative PROMs but a statistically significant difference could not be established in all studies. The medial arch height was positively correlated with PROMs, but in one study this was the case only in revision surgeries. CONCLUSION: The literature so far suggests restoration of the alignment may be associated with improved PROMs. Future prospective studies that investigate possible radiological and clinical correlations in PCFD surgery are needed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Clinical outcomes of subtalar arthroereisis for the treatment of stage 1 flexible progressive collapsing foot deformity.

BACKGROUND: The use of subtalar arthroereisis as an adjunct to the surgical treatment of stage 1 flexible progressive collapsing foot deformity (PCFD) is controversial. The aim was to investigate the clinical outcomes and report the implant removal rate of subtalar arthroereisis as an adjunct for stage 1 PCFD. METHODS: A retrospective study of 212 consecutive feet undergoing operative management of stage 1 PCFD with adjunctive subtalar arthroereisis between October 2010 and April 2018. The primary outcome was the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS). Secondary outcomes included Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI), Euroqol-5D-5L Index and implant removal rate. RESULTS: Post-operative clinical FAOS outcomes were collected for 153 feet (72.2%). At mean 2.5-year follow-up, the mean ± standard deviation FAOS for each domain was as follows; Pain: 81.5 ± 18.5, Symptoms: 79.5 ± 12.9, Activities of Daily Living: 82.5 ± 15.4 and Quality of Life: 64.2 ± 23.7. EQ-5D-5L Index was 0.884 ± 0.152. Pre-operative scores were available for 20 of these feet demonstrating a statistically significant improvement in all FAOS, FADI and EQ-5D-5L domains (p < 0.05). The implant removal rate for persistent sinus tarsi pain was 48.1% (n = 102). CONCLUSION: Use of a subtalar arthroereisis implant as an adjunct to conventional procedures in stage 1 flexible PCFD can result in significant improvement in pain and function. Patients should be counselled as to the relatively frequent rate of subsequent implant removal. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Proposals for talonavicular joint assessment using ultrasound imaging and its reliability and validity.

[Purpose] We aimed to develop a noninvasive specific ultrasonographic assessment of the talonavicular joint during loading to facilitate the analysis of treatment of flatfoot. [Participants and Methods] Sixty healthy participants underwent ultrasound imaging of the talonavicular joint while sitting and standing. The talonavicular angle was defined as the intersection of the line connecting the navicular and talar heads and the line connecting the talar head and sustentaculum tali. Talonavicular coverage was assessed using X-ray images of 15 participants. [Results] Ultrasonographic assessment of the talonavicular joint showed a lateral shift of the navicular relative to the head of the talus from sitting to standing. The talonavicular angle was significantly larger when standing than in the sitting position. The difference in talonavicular angle values between sitting and standing significantly correlated with the differences in the talonavicular coverage values. [Conclusion] We showed that ultrasonographic talonavicular angle assessment has good reliability and moderate validity for detecting significant alignment changes in the talonavicular joints due to loading. In the future, this evaluation method should be performed before and after exercise therapy to assess and develop appropriate exercise therapy for flatfoot.

Automated diagnosis of flatfoot using cascaded convolutional neural network for angle measurements in weight-bearing lateral radiographs.

OBJECTIVES: Diagnosis of flatfoot using a radiograph is subject to intra- and inter-observer variabilities. Here, we developed a cascade convolutional neural network (CNN)-based deep learning model (DLM) for an automated angle measurement for flatfoot diagnosis using landmark detection. METHODS: We used 1200 weight-bearing lateral foot radiographs from young adult Korean males for the model development. An experienced orthopedic surgeon identified 22 radiographic landmarks and measured three angles for flatfoot diagnosis that served as the ground truth (GT). Another orthopedic surgeon (OS) and a general physician (GP) independently identified the landmarks of the test dataset and measured the angles using the same method. External validation was performed using 100 and 17 radiographs acquired from a tertiary referral center and a public database, respectively. RESULTS: The DLM showed smaller absolute average errors from the GT for the three angle measurements for flatfoot diagnosis compared with both human observers. Under the guidance of the DLM, the average errors of observers OS and GP decreased from 2.35° ± 3.01° to 1.55° ± 2.09° and from 1.99° ± 2.76° to 1.56° ± 2.19°, respectively (both p < 0.001). The total measurement time decreased from 195 to 135 min in observer OS and from 205 to 155 min in observer GP. The absolute average errors of the DLM in the external validation sets were similar or superior to those of human observers in the original test dataset. CONCLUSIONS: Our CNN model had significantly better accuracy and reliability than human observers in diagnosing flatfoot, and notably improved the accuracy and reliability of human observers. KEY POINTS: • Development of deep learning model (DLM) that allows automated angle measurements for landmark detection based on 1200 weight-bearing lateral radiographs for diagnosing flatfoot. • Our DLM showed smaller absolute average errors for flatfoot diagnosis compared with two human observers. • Under the guidance of the model, the average errors of two human observers decreased and total measurement time also decreased from 195 to 135 min and from 205 to 155 min.

Differences in the coordination and its variability among foot joints during running in neutral foot and flatfoot.

Flatfoot is a well-known foot deformity, with a prevalence of 11.2%-29.0% among adults. Running injuries can occur in individuals with flatfoot; however, the underlying mechanism remains unknown. We investigated the coordination pattern and variability among foot joints while running by comparing participants with neutral foot and with flatfoot. Participants with neutral foot (n = 15) and flatfoot (n = 15) were asked to run at their preferred speed. Using the modified vector coding technique, the coupling angle between the foot joints, representing interjoint coordination, was calculated and categorized into four coordination patterns. The standard deviation of the coupling angle was computed to measure the coordination variability during the stance phase. There were no differences in the spatiotemporal parameters (speed, step length, and cadence) between the groups. In the sagittal rearfoot and sagittal midfoot coordination patterns, the flatfoot group showed a significantly greater proportion of anti-phase with proximal dominancy and a lower proportion of in-phase with proximal dominancy than the neutral foot group during early stance. Coordination variabilities between the sagittal rearfoot and sagittal midfoot (midstance), between the sagittal midfoot and sagittal forefoot (early stance), and between the frontal rearfoot and sagittal midfoot (midstance) were greater in the flatfoot group than in the neutral foot group. This may explain why those with flatfoot are likely to experience running injuries.

Modified hindfoot alignment radiological evaluation and application in the assessment of flatfoot.

BACKGROUND: Alignment is indispensable for the foot and ankle function, especially in the hindfoot alignment. In the preoperative planning of patients with varus or valgus deformity, the precise measurement of the hindfoot alignment is important. A new method of photographing and measuring hindfoot alignment based on X-ray was proposed in this study, and it was applied in the assessment of flatfoot. METHODS: This study included 28 patients (40 feet) with flatfeet and 20 volunteers (40 feet) from January to December 2018. The hindfoot alignment shooting stand independently designed by our department was used to take hindfoot alignment X-rays at 10 degree, 15 degree, 20 degree, 25 degree, and 30 degree. We measured the modified tibio-hindfoot angle (THA) at the standard hindfoot aligment position (shooting at 20 degree) and evaluated consistency with the van Dijk method and the modified van Dijk method. In addition, we observed the visibility of the tibiotalar joint space from all imaging data at five projection angles and evaluated the consistency of the modified THA method at different projection angles. The angle of hindfoot valgus of flatfoot patients was measured using the modified THA method. RESULTS: The mean THA in the standard hindfoot aligment view in normal people was significantly different among the three evaluation methods (P < .001). The results from the modified THA method were significantly larger than those from the Van Dijk method (P < .001) and modified Van Dijk method (P < .001). There was no significant difference between the results of the modified THA method and the weightbearing CT (P = .605), and the intra- and intergroup consistency were the highest in the modified THA group. The tibiotalar space in the normal group was visible in all cases at 10 degree, 15 degree, and 20 degree; visible in some cases at 25 degree; and not visible in all cases at 30 degree. In the flatfoot group, the tibiotalar space was visible in all cases at 10 degree, visible in some cases at 15 degree and 20 degree, and not visible in all cases at 25 degree and 30 degree. In the normal group, the modified THA was 4.84 ± 1.81 degree at 10 degree, 4.96 ± 1.77 degree at 15 degree, and 4.94 ± 2.04 degree at 20 degree. No significant differences were found among the three groups (P = .616). In the flatfoot group, the modified THA of 18 feet, which was visible at 10 degree, 15 degree and 20 degree, was 13.58 ± 3.57 degree at 10 degree, 13.62 ± 3.83 degree at 15 degree and 13.38 ± 4.06 degree at 20 degree. There were no significant differences among the three groups (P = .425). CONCLUSIONS: The modified THA evaluation method is simple to use and has high inter- and intragroup consistency. It can be used to evaluate hindfoot alignment. For patients with flatfeet, the 10 degree position view and modified THA measurement can be used to evaluate hindfoot valgus.

Unique shape variations of hind and midfoot bones in flatfoot subjects-A statistical shape modeling approach.

Flatfoot deformity is a prevalent hind- and midfoot disorder. Given its complexity, single-plane radiological measurements omit case-specific joint interaction and bone shape variations. Three-dimensional medical imaging assessment using statistical shape models provides a complete approach in characterizing bone shape variations unique to flatfoot condition. This study used statistical shape models to define specific bone shape variations of the subtalar, talonavicular, and calcaneocuboid joints that characterize flatfoot deformity, that differentiate them from healthy controls. Bones of the aforementioned joints were segmented from computed tomography scans of 40 feet. The three-dimensional hindfoot alignment angle categorized the population into 18 flatfoot subjects (≥7° valgus) and 22 controls. Statistical shape models for each joint were defined using the entire study cohort. For each joint, an average weighted shape parameter was calculated for each mode of variation, and then compared between flatfoot and controls. Significance was set at p < 0.05, with values between 0.05 ≤ p < 0.1 considered trending towards significance. The flatfoot population showed a more adducted talar head, inferiorly inclined talar neck, and posteriorly orientated medial subtalar articulation compare to controls, coupled with more navicular eversion, shallower navicular cup, and more prominent navicular tuberosity. The calcaneocuboid joint presented trends of a more adducted calcaneus, more abducted cuboid, narrower calcaneal roof, and less prominent cuboid beak compared to controls. Statistical shape model analysis identified unique shape variations which may enhance understanding and computer-aided models of the intricacies of flatfoot, leading to better diagnosis and, ultimately, surgical treatment.

Joint preservation surgery for correcting adolescents' spasmodic flatfoot deformity: early results from a specialized North African foot and ankle unit.

PURPOSE: We aimed to report early results of performing joint-preserving surgeries for managing spasmodic flatfoot deformity (SFFD) in adolescents. METHODS: A prospective case series study including 24 patients (27 feet) diagnosed with idiopathic SFFD not responding to conservative management. After reassessment under anesthesia, surgical procedures included soft tissue releases (Achilles tendon (AT), peroneus brevis (PB), peroneus tertius (PT) (if present), and extensor digitorum longus (EDL)), bony osteotomies (lateral column lengthening (LCL), medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy (MDCO), and double calcaneal osteotomy (DCO)), and medial soft tissue reconstruction or augmentation if needed. Functional evaluation was performed per the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, while radiological parameters included talo-navicular coverage angle (TNCA), talo-first metatarsal angle (AP Meary's angle), calcaneal inclination angle (CIA), talo-calcaneal angle (TCA), talo-first metatarsal angle (Lat. Meary's angle), and tibio-calcaneal angle (TibCA). The preoperative parameters were compared to the last follow-up using the Wilcoxon signed test. RESULTS: The mean age was 15.37 ± 3.4 years, 18 (75%) were boys, and the mean BMI was 28.52 ± 3.5 (kg/m2). Release of AT and fractional lengthening of PL, PT, and EDL were performed in all patients. LCL was needed in eight feet (29.6%), MDCO in 5 (18.5%), and DCO in 14 (51.9%). FDL transfer was required in 12 (44.4%) feet, and repair of the spring ligament in seven (25.9%). The mean operative time was 99.09 ± 15.67 min. All osteotomies were united after a mean of 2.3 ± 0.5 months. After a mean follow-up of 24.12 ± 8.88 months (12 and 36 months), the AOFAS improved from a preoperative mean of 43.89 ± 11.49 to a mean of 87.26 ± 9.92 (P < 0.001). All radiological parameters showed significant improvement, AP Meary's angle from a mean of 20.4 ± 5.3 to a mean of 9.2 ± 2.1, Lat. Meary's angle from - 15.67° ± 6.31 to - 5.63° ± 5.03, TNCA from - 26.48° ± 5.94 to 13.63° ± 4.36, CIA from 12.04° ± 2.63 to 16.11° ± 3.71, TibCA from - 14.04° ± 3.15 to - 9.37° ± 3.34, and TCA Lat. from 42.65° ± 10.68 to 25.60° ± 5.69 (P ≤ 0.001). One developed wound dehiscence (over an MDCO), managed with daily dressings and local antibiotics. Another one developed lateral foot pain after having LCL managed by metal removal. CONCLUSION: Careful clinical and radiological evaluation for the correct diagnosis of SFFD is paramount. Joint-preserving bony osteotomies combined with selective soft tissue procedures resulted in acceptable functional and radiological outcomes in this young age group.