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Orthopaedics & Traumatology, Surgery &... Feb 2015Adult flatfoot is defined as a flattening of the medial arch of the foot in weight-bearing and lack of a propulsive gait. The 3 lesion levels are the talonavicular,... (Review)
Review
Adult flatfoot is defined as a flattening of the medial arch of the foot in weight-bearing and lack of a propulsive gait. The 3 lesion levels are the talonavicular, tibiotarsal and midfoot joints. The subtalar joint is damaged by the consequent rotational defects. Clinical examination determines deformity and reducibility, and assesses any posterior tibialis muscle deficit, the posterior tibialis tendon and spring ligament being frequently subject to degenerative lesions. Radiographic examination in 3 incidences in weight-bearing is essential, to determine the principal level of deformity. Tendon (posterior tibialis tendon) and ligamentous lesions (spring ligament and interosseous ligament) are analyzed on MRI or ultrasound. In fixed deformities, CT explores for arthritic evolution or specific etiologies. 3D CT reconstruction can analyze bone and joint morphology and contribute to the planning of any osteotomy. Medical management associates insoles and physiotherapy. Acute painful flatfoot requires strict cast immobilization. Surgical treatment associates numerous combinations of procedures, currently under assessment for supple flatfoot: for the hindfoot: medial slide calcaneal osteotomy, calcaneal lengthening osteotomy, or arthroereisis; for the midfoot: arthrodesis on one or several rays, or first cuneiform or first metatarsal osteotomy; for the ankle: medial collateral ligament repair with tendon transfer. Fixed deformities require arthrodesis of one or several joint-lines in the hindfoot; for the ankle, total replacement after realignment of the foot, or tibiotalocalcaneal fusion or ankle and hindfoot fusion; and, for the midfoot, cuneonavicular or cuneometatarsal fusion. Tendinous procedures are often associated. Specific etiologies may need individualized procedures. In conclusion, adult flatfoot tends to be diagnosed and managed too late, with consequent impact on the ankle, the management of which is complex and poorly codified.
Topics: Adult; Diagnostic Imaging; Flatfoot; Foot Joints; Humans; Orthopedic Procedures; Orthotic Devices; Osteoarthritis; Physical Examination; Shoes
PubMed: 25595429
DOI: 10.1016/j.otsr.2014.07.030 -
Foot and Ankle Clinics Sep 2017Pediatric flatfeet are common, are usually asymptomatic, and typically improve over time as young children age. It is critical to differentiate flexible from rigid... (Review)
Review
Pediatric flatfeet are common, are usually asymptomatic, and typically improve over time as young children age. It is critical to differentiate flexible from rigid flatfeet and to assess for associated Achilles contracture with a careful history, physical examination, and initial radiographs. Although there are limited data, nonsurgical management of symptomatic flatfeet, both flexible and rigid, should be exhausted before considering surgical intervention. If patients fail conservative treatment, surgical management with joint-preserving, deformity-corrective techniques is typically used for pediatric flexible flatfeet in conjunction with deformity-specific soft tissue procedures.
Topics: Arthrodesis; Bone Lengthening; Calcaneus; Child; Flatfoot; Foot Deformities, Acquired; Humans; Muscle Stretching Exercises; Osteotomy; Radiography
PubMed: 28779814
DOI: 10.1016/j.fcl.2017.04.008 -
Foot (Edinburgh, Scotland) Mar 2019Several complications due to flatfeet have been reported in previous literature such as poor postural stability, injuries, pathologies, and discomfort. Early detection... (Review)
Review
Several complications due to flatfeet have been reported in previous literature such as poor postural stability, injuries, pathologies, and discomfort. Early detection and appropriate management are mandatory to minimize these effects. There are different feet assessments established in the field with distinct advantages and disadvantages. Additionally, selection of management methods from various options should be done vigilantly as the application differs according to the individual. Therefore, the objective of this article is to review previous literature on structural anatomy, pathomechanics, assessment, and proper management of flatfeet to provide a condensed summary for healthcare professionals, occupational therapists, kinesiologists, biomechanists, coaches, and ergonomists.
Topics: Biomechanical Phenomena; Flatfoot; Foot; Humans; Orthopedic Procedures; Orthotic Devices; Physical Therapy Modalities; Shoes
PubMed: 30844660
DOI: 10.1016/j.foot.2019.02.004 -
Australian Journal of General Practice May 2020Flat foot (pes planus) describes a reduction or absence of the medial longitudinal arch (MLA) of the foot, with or without additional deformities of the foot and ankle....
BACKGROUND
Flat foot (pes planus) describes a reduction or absence of the medial longitudinal arch (MLA) of the foot, with or without additional deformities of the foot and ankle. Flat feet are relatively common in childhood, affecting up to 14% of children. Flexible flat feet can be part of a normal developmental profile, and foot arches usually develop with age, although there is a wide range of normal variation. Up to 25% of the total population has a deficient MLA in at least one foot; therefore, it is likely a general practitioner (GP) will encounter this issue relatively frequently in their practice.
OBJECTIVE
This article outlines a method for paediatric pes planus assessment and management. A multidisciplinary approach involving GPs, rehabilitation physicians, orthopaedic surgeons, physiotherapists, orthotists and podiatrists is discussed.
DISCUSSION
Paediatric pes planus treatment has long been a contentious topic, with a lack of clarity in the literature regarding which children require treatment and the efficacy of intervention. However, there is increasing evidence that non-surgical interventions, such as orthoses and physiotherapy, may be beneficial for certain groups of children.
Topics: Disease Management; Flatfoot; Foot Orthoses; Humans; Pediatrics; Physical Therapy Modalities
PubMed: 32416653
DOI: 10.31128/AJGP-09-19-5089 -
Journal of Foot and Ankle Research Nov 2021Flatfoot is characterised by the falling of the medial longitudinal arch, eversion of the hindfoot and abduction of the loaded forefoot. Furthermore, flatfoot leads to a... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Flatfoot is characterised by the falling of the medial longitudinal arch, eversion of the hindfoot and abduction of the loaded forefoot. Furthermore, flatfoot leads to a variety of musculoskeletal symptoms in the lower extremity, such as knee or hip pain. The standard conservative treatment for flatfoot deformity is exercise therapy or treatment with foot orthoses. Foot orthoses are prescribed for various foot complaints. However, the evidence for the provision of foot orthoses is inconsistent. The aim of this systematic review is to synthesize the evidence of foot orthoses for adults with flatfoot.
METHODS
A computerized search was conducted in August 2021, using the databases PubMed, Scopus, Pedro, Cochrane Library, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Intervention studies of any design investigating the effects of foot orthoses were included, apart from case studies. Two independent reviewers assessed all search results to identify eligible studies and to assess their methodological quality.
RESULTS
A total of 110 studies were identified through the database search. 12 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. These studies investigated prefabricated and custom-made foot orthoses, evaluating stance and plantar pressure during gait. The sample sizes of the identified studies ranged from 8 to 80. In most of the studies, the methodological quality was low and a lack of information was frequently detected.
CONCLUSION
There is a lack of evidence on the effect of foot orthoses for flatfoot in adults. This review illustrates the importance of conducting randomized controlled trials and the comprehensive development of guidelines for the prescription of foot orthoses. Given the weak evidence available, the common prescription of foot orthoses is somewhat surprising.
Topics: Adult; Flatfoot; Foot; Foot Orthoses; Gait; Humans; Lower Extremity
PubMed: 34844639
DOI: 10.1186/s13047-021-00499-z -
Pediatrics Mar 2016Flatfoot (pes planus) is common in infants and children and often resolves by adolescence. Thus, flatfoot is described as physiologic because it is usually flexible,... (Review)
Review
Flatfoot (pes planus) is common in infants and children and often resolves by adolescence. Thus, flatfoot is described as physiologic because it is usually flexible, painless, and of no functional consequence. In rare instances, flatfoot can become painful or rigid, which may be a sign of underlying foot pathology, including arthritis or tarsal coalition. Despite its prevalence, there is no standard definition for pediatric flatfoot. Furthermore, there are no large, prospective studies that compare the natural history of idiopathic, flexible flat feet throughout development in response to various treatments. The available literature does not elucidate which patients are at risk for developing pain and disability as young adults. Current evidence suggests that it is safe and appropriate to simply observe an asymptomatic child with flat feet. Painful flexible flatfoot may benefit from orthopedic intervention, such as physical therapy, bracing, or even a surgical procedure. Orthotics, although generally unproven to alter the course of flexible flatfoot, may provide relief of pain when present. Surgical procedures include Achilles tendon lengthening, bone-cutting procedures that rearrange the alignment of the foot (osteotomies), fusion of joints (arthrodesis), or insertion of a silicone or metal cap into the sinus tarsi to establish a medial foot arch (arthroereisis). It is important for a general pediatrician to know when a referral to an orthopedic specialist is indicated and which treatments may be offered to the patient. Updated awareness of the current evidence regarding pediatric flatfoot helps the provider confidently and appropriately counsel patients and families.
Topics: Child; Flatfoot; Humans; Pain; Physical Examination; Prevalence; Risk Factors
PubMed: 26908688
DOI: 10.1542/peds.2015-1230 -
Journal of Physiotherapy Jan 2023In people with flexible flat foot, what is the effect of a comprehensive exercise program on navicular drop height and medial longitudinal arch angle compared with a... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
QUESTION
In people with flexible flat foot, what is the effect of a comprehensive exercise program on navicular drop height and medial longitudinal arch angle compared with a control regimen of brief active range of motion exercises?
DESIGN
Randomised controlled trial with concealed allocation, blinding of assessors and intention-to-treat analysis.
PARTICIPANTS
Fifty-two people with flexible flat foot.
INTERVENTION
The experimental group undertook 30-minute exercise sessions three times per week for 6 weeks. The exercises involved active dorsiflexion and plantarflexion, foot shortening exercises, gluteal muscle strengthening, and stretching. The control group performed active dorsiflexion and plantarflexion only for 6 weeks.
OUTCOME MEASURES
Navicular drop height and longitudinal arch angle.
RESULTS
Randomisation allocated 26 participants to each group. One participant from the experimental group and two from the control group did not complete the study. After 6 weeks, the participants in the experimental group improved their navicular drop height by 0.4 cm (95% CI 0.4 to 0.5) more than those in the control group. These participants also improved their longitudinal arch angle by 16 deg (95% CI 13 to 19) more than those in the control group.
CONCLUSION
In people with flexible flat foot, a comprehensive 6-week exercise program improved the navicular drop height and longitudinal arch angle more than active dorsiflexion and plantarflexion alone. This improved the cosmetic appearance of the foot and reduced progression towards more severe flat foot, which typically becomes symptomatic.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
CTRI/2021/07/034599.
Topics: Humans; Flatfoot; Foot; Exercise Therapy; Muscle, Skeletal
PubMed: 36526555
DOI: 10.1016/j.jphys.2022.11.011 -
Journal of Orthopaedic Science :... Jan 2019We describe the pathology and treatment of flexible flat foot in children. The flexible flat foot is seen in the overly flexible foot and usually involves hypermobility...
We describe the pathology and treatment of flexible flat foot in children. The flexible flat foot is seen in the overly flexible foot and usually involves hypermobility of the subtalar joint. It typically occurs in childhood and may continue to adulthood. The arch develops spontaneously during the first decade of life in most children and comes within the normal range observed in adult feet. We prescribed orthoses for the treatment of flexible flat foot patients. Lateral weight-bearing radiographs and ultrasonography were helpful for the evaluation of the flat foot. Bleck recommended the UCBL shoe insert in cases of flexible flat foot if the standing or lateral rentgenogram demonstrates a talar plantar flexion angle (TPF) of 45° or greater. Bordelon suggested that cases of flexible flat foot should be treated if the standing or lateral roentgenogram demonstrates a Meary's talo-1st metatarsal angle (T1-MTA) of -15°or greater. However, the radiograph of a young child's foot poses some difficulties in making an accurate evaluation, because of the radiolucent cartilage zone. In this situation, a sagittal image obtained by ultrasonography has proved to be a powerful aid to evaluate the type of the flat foot. We classified the flat foot into three types: talo-navicular sag (T-N sag), naviculo-cuneiform sag (NC sag) and talo-navicular and naviculo-cuneiform sag (Mixed sag) following the criteria of Tachdjian. We recommended the NC sag and Mixed sag groups to be treated by using orthoses, while we kept a status of watchful waiting for the T-N sag group. However, we should consider the increasing complaints of children and their parents during the orthotic treatment. A through discussion between the parents of patients and the pediatric orthopedic doctors is necessary before orthotic treatment is started.
Topics: Child; Disease Management; Flatfoot; Humans; Orthotic Devices; Radiography; Tarsal Bones; Weight-Bearing
PubMed: 30366675
DOI: 10.1016/j.jos.2018.09.018 -
Radiographics : a Review Publication of... 2019Adult acquired flatfoot deformity (AAFD) is a common disorder that typically affects middle-aged and elderly women, resulting in foot pain, malalignment, and loss of... (Review)
Review
Adult acquired flatfoot deformity (AAFD) is a common disorder that typically affects middle-aged and elderly women, resulting in foot pain, malalignment, and loss of function. The disorder is initiated most commonly by degeneration of the posterior tibialis tendon (PTT), which normally functions to maintain the talonavicular joint at the apex of the three arches of the foot. PTT degeneration encompasses tenosynovitis, tendinosis, tendon elongation, and tendon tearing. The malaligned foot is initially flexible but becomes rigid and constant as the disorder progresses. Tendon dysfunction commonly leads to secondary damage of the spring ligament and talocalcaneal ligaments and may be associated with injury to the deltoid ligament, plantar fascia, and other soft-tissue structures. Failure of multiple stabilizers appears to be necessary for development of the characteristic planovalgus deformity of AAFD, with a depressed plantar-flexed talus bone, hindfoot and/or midfoot valgus, and an everted flattened forefoot. AAFD also leads to gait dysfunction as the foot is unable to change shape and function adequately to accommodate the various phases of gait, which require multiple rapid transitions in foot position and tone for effective ambulation. The four-tier staging system for AAFD emphasizes physical examination findings and metrics of foot malalignment. Mild disease is managed conservatively, but surgical procedures directed at the soft tissues and/or bones become necessary and progressively more invasive as the disease progresses. Although much has been written about the imaging findings of AAFD, this article emphasizes the anatomy and function of the foot's stabilizing structures to help the radiologist better understand this disabling disorder. RSNA, 2019.
Topics: Adult; Biomechanical Phenomena; Flatfoot; Foot; Humans
PubMed: 31498747
DOI: 10.1148/rg.2019190046 -
Foot and Ankle Clinics Dec 2021Congenital vertical talus represents a congenital structural foot deformity characterized by the classical rocker bottom deformity. The main feature is dislocation of... (Review)
Review
Congenital vertical talus represents a congenital structural foot deformity characterized by the classical rocker bottom deformity. The main feature is dislocation of the talonavicular joint along with contractures of the dorsolateral tendons of the foot and tendo Achilles. In the past treatment consisted of 2- or single-stage more or less extensive soft tissue releases including reduction of the talonavicular joint following casting in the first phase. Nowadays all feet are treated by serial casting, closed or miniopen talonavicular joint reduction, and percutaneous achillotenotomy. Functional results of the miniinvasive method are superior to those of the former more extensive surgical releases.
Topics: Achilles Tendon; Casts, Surgical; Flatfoot; Foot Deformities, Congenital; Humans; Talus; Tenotomy
PubMed: 34752243
DOI: 10.1016/j.fcl.2021.08.002