Foot pressure in clubfoot—The development of an objective assessment tool

Abstract Background There are no universal criteria for the assessment of clubfoot. The ideal method should assess functional deformity reliably and objectively. Biomechanical techniques have also been suggested but their role remains undefined. Objective This study aimed to assess surgically correc...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Foot (Edinburgh, Scotland) Scotland), 2008-06, Vol.18 (2), p.99-105
Main Authors: Herd, F, Ramanathan, A.K, Cochrane, L.A, Macnicol, M, Abboud, R.J
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Bean-shape ratio
Biomechanical Phenomena
Biomechanics
Child
Child, Preschool
Clubfoot
Clubfoot - physiopathology
Clubfoot - surgery
Foot pressure
Humans
Infant
Lateral loading
Orthopedics
Pressure
Virtual-heel
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Summary:Abstract Background There are no universal criteria for the assessment of clubfoot. The ideal method should assess functional deformity reliably and objectively. Biomechanical techniques have also been suggested but their role remains undefined. Objective This study aimed to assess surgically corrected clubfeet by biomechanical means with the intention to develop certain ratios to aid in objective assessment. Methods Thirteen children (16 feet) with idiopathic clubfoot, who had previously undergone surgery (lateral-posteromedial release), were reviewed. Various clinical measurements were collected and symptoms assessed using a specially designed questionnaire. Biomechanical (foot pressure) parameters were obtained using two systems: Podotrack® and Dynamic Pedobarograph. Results The results showed that foot pressure data were able to demonstrate abnormalities in foot posture and pressure distribution, which could objectively identify clubfoot deformities. In particular, ratios were calculated, which could be used to determine severity and monitor progression. Conclusion This study suggests that foot pressure analysis should be routinely used in the assessment of clubfoot. The ratios calculated would be of immense help to the clinicians in monitoring the success of treatment and for early prediction of relapse in patients treated for clubfoot.
ISSN:0958-2592
1532-2963
DOI:10.1016/j.foot.2008.01.007