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Frontiers in Bioengineering and... 2024Corrective shoe insoles are prescribed for a range of foot deformities and are typically designed based on a subjective assessment limiting personalization and...
Corrective shoe insoles are prescribed for a range of foot deformities and are typically designed based on a subjective assessment limiting personalization and potentially leading to sub optimal treatment outcomes. The incorporation of techniques in the design and customization of insoles may improve personalized correction and hence insole efficiency. We developed an workflow for insole design and customization using a combination of measured motion capture, inverse musculoskeletal modelling as well as forward simulation approaches to predict the kinematic response to specific insole designs. The developed workflow was tested on twenty-seven participants containing a combination of healthy participants (7) and patients with flatfoot deformity (20). Average error between measured and simulated kinematics were 4.7 ± 3.1, 4.5 ± 3.1, 2.3 ± 2.3, and 2.3 ± 2.7° for the chopart obliquity, chopart anterior-posterior axis, tarsometatarsal first ray, and tarsometatarsal fifth ray joints respectively. : The developed workflow offers distinct advantages to previous modeling workflows such as speed of use, use of more accessible data, use of only open-source software, and is highly automated. It provides a solid basis for future work on improving predictive accuracy by adapting the currently implemented insole model and incorporating additional data such as plantar pressure.
PubMed: 38464541
DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1351403 -
PloS One 2024Individuals with flatfoot have impaired proprioception owing to ligament laxity and impaired tendons, which can result in poor balance. Foot orthoses (FOs) have been... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Individuals with flatfoot have impaired proprioception owing to ligament laxity and impaired tendons, which can result in poor balance. Foot orthoses (FOs) have been reported to stimulate plantar mechanical receptors and are used to manage foot overpronation in individuals with flatfoot. However, the results of the use of FOs to improve balance are inconsistent. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to identify and investigate the effects of FOs on balance in individuals with flatfoot. Electronic databases were searched for articles published before March 2023. Peer-reviewed journal studies that included adult participants with flexible flatfoot and reported the effects of FOs on balance were included and classified based on the study design: randomized control trials (RCT) and non-RCTs. Four RCT studies were retained, and their methodological quality was assessed (mean, 63.2%; range 47.3%-73.1%: high), as were three non-RCT studies (mean, 54.1%; range, 42.1%-68.4%: high). Meta-analysis was performed by calculating the effect size using the standardized mean differences between the control and FO conditions. Transverse-arch insoles immediately improved static balance after use. However, no immediate significant effect was found for medial archsupport FOs, cuboid-posting FOs, or University of California Berkeley Laboratory FOs during the study period (2-5 weeks) when compared with the controls. The transverse-arch insole is the most effective FO feature for improving static balance. However, the high heterogeneity between study protocols contributes to the lack of evidence for the effects of FO on balance in people with flatfoot.
Topics: Humans; Flatfoot; Foot; Foot Orthoses; Lower Extremity; Tarsal Bones; Postural Balance
PubMed: 38457399
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299446 -
Foot and Ankle Surgery : Official... Jul 2024The purpose of this study was to compare automatic software-based angular measurement (AM) with validated measurement by hand (MBH) regarding angle values and time spent... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this study was to compare automatic software-based angular measurement (AM) with validated measurement by hand (MBH) regarding angle values and time spent for Weight-Bearing CT (WBCT) generated datasets.
METHODS
Five-hundred WBCT scans from different pathologies were included in the study. 1st - 2nd intermetatarsal angle, talo-1st metatarsal angle dorsoplantar and lateral, hindfoot angle, calcaneal pitch angle were measured and compared between MBH and AM.
RESULTS
The pathologies were ankle osteoarthritis/instability, n = 147 (29%); Haglund deformity/Achillodynia, n = 41 (8%); forefoot deformity, n = 108 (22%); Hallux rigidus, n = 37 (7%); flatfoot, n = 35 (7%); cavus foot, n = 10 (2%); osteoarthritis except ankle, n = 82 (16%). The angles did not differ between MBH and AM (each p > 0.36). The time spent for MBH / AM was 44.5 / 1 s on average per angle (p < .001).
CONCLUSIONS
AM provided angles which were not different from validated MBH and can be considered as a validated angle measurement method. The time spent was 97% lower for AM than for MBH.
LEVELS OF EVIDENCE
Level III.
Topics: Humans; Weight-Bearing; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Software; Female; Imaging, Three-Dimensional; Male; Middle Aged; Adult; Aged
PubMed: 38448344
DOI: 10.1016/j.fas.2024.02.016 -
The Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery :... 2024In recent years, anterior tibiofibular ligament-distal fascicle transfers for anterior talofibular ligament augmentation repair have proposed. However, a comprehensive...
Anterior Talofibular Ligament Repair in Combination With Anterior Tibiofibular Ligament Distal Fascicle Transfer for The Treatment of Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability: A Finite Element Analysis.
In recent years, anterior tibiofibular ligament-distal fascicle transfers for anterior talofibular ligament augmentation repair have proposed. However, a comprehensive biomechanical study on the anterior tibiofibular ligament-distal fascicle transfer is still lacking. We are established four distinct groups, namely the normal, the anterior talofibular ligament rupture, the anterior talofibular ligament repair, and the anterior talofibular ligament repair + anterior tibiofibular ligament-distal fascicle transfer. We assessed the anterior drawer test and varus stress test of the ankle in each group. Moreover, we employed the model to simulate and compute the total displacement and von-Mises stress of the talus cartilage at varying gait phases, including foot strike, tibia vertical, and toe-off phases. The results of the anterior drawer test and varus stress test revealed that the anterior talofibular ligament repair + anterior tibiofibular ligament-distal fascicle transfer group exhibited greater closeness to the normal group. Regarding von-Mises stress in cartilage, the three gait instants had higher values in the anterior talofibular ligament repair + anterior tibiofibular ligament-distal fascicle transfer group than the other groups. Nevertheless, regarding total displacement, the toe-off phases exhibited higher values in the anterior talofibular ligament repair + anterior tibiofibular ligament-distal fascicle transfer group than the other groups. Using ATiFL-DF transfer to augment ATFL repair is a potential feasible procedure. However, this procedure could potentially compromise the anterior tibiofibular ligament's contribution to the dynamic stability of the ankle. Therefore, we recommend conducting further in-depth research to ensure the suitability and success of this technique in a clinical environment.
Topics: Humans; Lateral Ligament, Ankle; Joint Instability; Finite Element Analysis; Ankle Joint; Biomechanical Phenomena; Adult; Male; Chronic Disease
PubMed: 38438102
DOI: 10.1053/j.jfas.2024.02.001 -
Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics Jan 2024Symptomatic flexible flatfoot causes alterations in gait, but exactly how this condition affects the intersegmental motion of the foot during the gait cycle remains...
BACKGROUND
Symptomatic flexible flatfoot causes alterations in gait, but exactly how this condition affects the intersegmental motion of the foot during the gait cycle remains unclear. Previous studies have examined the kinematics, yielding inconsistent findings. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate how flexible flatfoot deformity, defined as Johnson and Strom classification staging II, affects the intersegmental motion of the foot during fast walking based on a comparison with the matched control group.
METHODS
Eleven participants with symptomatic flexible flatfoot and 11 healthy matched control participants were recruited using a foot screening protocol incorporated through a foot physical examinations and radiographic measurements. All demographic characteristics exhibited comparable profiles between the groups. During controlled walking, kinematic outcomes pertaining to the hallux, hindfoot, forefoot, and tibia were collected using the multisegmental Oxford Foot Model.
RESULTS
All spatiotemporal parameters were comparable between the groups. In comparison to the control group, individuals with symptomatic flexible flatfoot demonstrated increased hallux valgus and plantarflexion, increased forefoot abduction, heightened hindfoot eversion, and internal rotation. Notably, no significant major differences were observed in the tibia motion segment. Further, significant correlations were identified between static foot measurements and the extent of the maximum deviation observed during dynamic kinematic assessments.
CONCLUSION
Compared with age- and gender-matched controls, participants with symptomatic flexible flatfoot exhibited significant gait pattern deviations. A significant correlation also exists between static foot deformity measurements and dynamic kinematic deviations. Collectively, these findings have implications for developing targeted therapeutic interventions to address flexible flatfoot.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Level III, diagnostic study.
PubMed: 38410138
DOI: 10.1177/24730114241231245 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Feb 2024Classifications of AAFD/PCFD have evolved with an increased understanding of the pathology involved. A review of classification systems helps identify deficiencies and... (Review)
Review
Review of Classification Systems for Adult Acquired Flatfoot Deformity/Progressive Collapsing Foot Deformity and the Novel Development of the Triple Classification Delinking Instability/Deformity/Reactivity and Foot Type.
Classifications of AAFD/PCFD have evolved with an increased understanding of the pathology involved. A review of classification systems helps identify deficiencies and respective contributions to the evolution in understanding the classification of AAFD/PCFD. Using multiple electronic database searches (Medline, PubMed) and Google search, original papers classifying AAFD/PCFD were identified. Nine original papers were identified that met the inclusion criteria. Johnson's original classification and multiple variants provided a significant leap in understanding and communicating the pathology but remained tibialis posterior tendon-focused. Drawbacks of these classifications include the implication of causality, linearity of progression through stages, an oversimplification of stage 2 deformity, and a failure to understand that multiple tendons react, not just tibialis posterior. Later classifications, such as the PCFD classification, are deformity-centric. Early ligament laxity/instability in normal attitude feet and all stages of cavus feet can present with pain and instability with minor/no deformity. These may not be captured in deformity-based classifications. The authors developed the 'Triple Classification' (TC) understanding that primary pathology is a progressive ligament failure/laxity that presents as tendon reactivity, deformity, and painful impingement, variably manifested depending on starting foot morphology. In this classification, starting foot morphology is typed, ligament laxities are staged, and deformity is zoned. This review has used identified deficiencies within classification systems for AAFD/PCFD to delink ligament laxity, deformity, and foot type and develop the 'Triple classification'. Advantages of the TC may include representing foot types with no deformity, defining complex secondary instabilities, delinking foot types, tendon reactivity/ligament instability, and deformity to represent these independently in a new classification system. Level V.
PubMed: 38398256
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13040942 -
BMC Sports Science, Medicine &... Feb 2024The Lower Quarter Y Balance Test (YBT-LQ) has been widely used to assess dynamic balance in various populations. Dynamic balance in flexible flatfoot populations is one...
BACKGROUND
The Lower Quarter Y Balance Test (YBT-LQ) has been widely used to assess dynamic balance in various populations. Dynamic balance in flexible flatfoot populations is one of the risk factors for lower extremity injuries, especially in college populations in which more exercise is advocated. However, no study has demonstrated the reliability of the YBT-LQ in a college student flexible flatfoot population.
METHODS
A cross-sectional observational study. 30 college students with flexible flatfoot were recruited from Beijing Sports University. They have been thrice assessed for the maximal reach distance of YBT under the support of the lower limb on the flatfoot side. Test and retest were performed with an interval of 14 days. The outcome measures using the composite score and normalized maximal reach distances in three directions (anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral). The relative reliability was reported as the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC). Minimal Detectable Change (MDC), Smallest worthwhile change (SWC), and Standard Error of Measurement (SEM) were used to report the absolute reliability.
RESULTS
For inter-rater reliability, the ICC values for all directions ranged from 0.84 to 0.92, SEM values ranged from 2.01 to 3.10%, SWC values ranged from 3.67 to 5.12%, and MDC95% values ranged from 5.58 to 8.60%. For test-retest reliability, the ICC values for all directions ranged from 0.81 to 0.92, SEM values ranged from 1.80 to 2.97%, SWC values ranged from 3.75 to 5.61%, and MDC95% values ranged from 4.98 to 8.24%.
CONCLUSIONS
The YBT-LQ has "good" to "excellent" inter-rater and test-retest reliability. It appears to be a reliable assessment to use with college students with flexible flatfoot.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
This trial was prospectively registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry with the ID number ChiCTR2300075906 on 19/09/2023.
PubMed: 38331956
DOI: 10.1186/s13102-024-00819-3 -
Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and... Feb 2024Evans and Hintermann lateral column lengthening (LCL) procedures are both widely used to correct adult acquired flatfoot deformity (AAFD), and have both shown good...
BACKGROUND
Evans and Hintermann lateral column lengthening (LCL) procedures are both widely used to correct adult acquired flatfoot deformity (AAFD), and have both shown good clinical results. The aim of this study was to compare these two procedures in terms of corrective ability and biomechanics influence on the Chopart and subtalar joints through finite element (FE) analysis.
METHODS
Twelve patient-specific FE models were established and validated. The Hintermann osteotomy was performed between the medial and posterior facets of the subtalar joint; while, the Evans osteotomy was performed on the anterior neck of the calcaneus around 10 mm from the calcaneocuboid joint surface. In each procedure, a triangular wedge of varying size was inserted at the lateral edge. The two procedures were then compared based on the measured strains of superomedial calcaneonavicular ligaments and planter facia, the talus-first metatarsal angle, and the contact characteristics of talonavicular, calcaneocuboid and subtalar joints.
RESULTS
The Hintermann procedure achieved a greater correction of the talus-first metatarsal angle than Evans when using grafts of the same size, indicating that Hintermann had stronger corrective ability. However, its distributions of von-Mises stress in the subtalar, talonavicular and calcaneocuboid joints were less homogeneous than those of Evans. In addition, the strains of superomedial calcaneonavicular ligaments and planter facia of Hintermann were also greater than those of Evans, but both generally within the safe range (less than 6%).
CONCLUSION
This FE analysis study indicates that both Evans and Hintermann procedures have good corrective ability for AAFD. Compared to Evans, Hintermann procedure can provide a stronger corrective effect while causing greater disturbance to the biomechanics of Chopart joints, which may be an important mechanism of arthritis. Nevertheless, it yields a better protection to the subtalar joint than Evans osteotomy.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
Both Evans and Hintermann LCL surgeries have a considerable impact on adjacent joints and ligament tissues. Such effects alongside the overcorrection problem should be cautiously considered when choosing the specific surgical method.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Level III, case-control study.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Flatfoot; Case-Control Studies; Finite Element Analysis; Calcaneus; Osteotomy
PubMed: 38303071
DOI: 10.1186/s13018-024-04584-4 -
Journal of Medical Genetics Jan 2024
PubMed: 38296636
DOI: 10.1136/jmg-2023-109656