BACKGROUND: Flat foot in children is a common deformity in which the medial longitudinal arch is reduced or eliminated.
OBJECTIVES: The objective of this article was to compare flat foot and healthy children on the displacement of the center of pressure and walking parameters in children with two common orthoses (functional foot orthosis and medical shoe).
STUDY DESIGN: Comparative study.
METHODS: This study included 30 children with flat foot and 20 healthy children as a control group. The step length and width, walking velocity, symmetry, and center of pressure (CoP) displacements were recorded and compared for three conditions: functional foot orthosis and regular shoe, a medical shoe and barefoot.
RESULTS: The results from the CoP displacements showed that the regular shoe with functional foot orthosis caused a significant decrease in the level of displacement of the CoP in flat foot children. The findings indicated a significant improvement in symmetry of steps and walking speed with the functional foot orthosis in comparison to the medical shoe in flat foot children.
CONCLUSION: The CoP displacement was decreased and the percentage of gait symmetry and walking speed were increased by the use of regular shoes with a functional foot orthosis in comparison to the medical shoes.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE: An orthopaedic shoe can be expensive, and in particular heavy with most children reluctant to wear it. This study focussed on the CoP displacement and selected gait parameters with an orthopaedic shoe and functional foot orthosis, and showed that a combined prescription of a functional foot orthosis and with regular shoes may be a useful alternative for children with moderate flat foot.
KEYWORDS: Center of pressure; flexible flat foot; functional foot orthosis; gait; medical shoe
IntroductionEndoprosthetic reconstruction is a widely used technique; however, it is associated with various postoperative complications. One often overlooked complication is the alteration of foot loading patterns. This pilot study evaluated functional outcomes with postoperative static foot loading patterns in patients undergoing endoprosthesis replacements compared to the contralateral limb.ObjectiveThis study evaluates static foot loading patterns in patients undergoing endoprosthetic replacements. It explores the relationship between the functional outcomes of the operated limb and foot loading patterns in a standing position. Additionally, the study considers factors such as the anatomical location of the endoprosthetic reconstruction, limb length discrepancy, age, gender, and body mass index (BMI).Materials and MethodsThis prospective cross-sectional study included 100 patients over 15 years who had undergone lower limb endoprosthetic reconstruction at least 1 year prior and could walk unaided. Data collection encompassed patient demographics, diagnosis, anthropometric measurements, postoperative functional status (evaluated using AOFAS-Hindfoot, MSTS, and TESS scores), and postoperatively analysis of foot loading patterns.ResultsThe patient group has a significantly higher prevalence of abnormal foot arches compared to the expected population proportion. Notably, 10% of patients transitioned from a normal arch to flatfoot, while 40% developed a high arch post-surgery. Asymmetrical arches were observed in 30 patients. Post-surgery, 18.5% of patients experienced a transition from a normal foot arch to a high arch, and 4.6% transitioned to flatfoot. Analysis of variables such as surgical site, limb length discrepancy, age, gender, BMI, foot loading patterns and functional scores (MSTS, TESS and AOFAS) showed no significant associations with these changes.ConclusionAlthough no significant correlation was identified between functional scores and foot loading patterns following lower limb endoprosthetic surgery, a notable prevalence of abnormal foot arches was observed. We recommend routine podiatry consultations for these patients to address and manage potential foot-related complications.