The Correlation Between Selected Measurements From Footprint and Radiograph of Flatfoot

Chen C-H, Huang M-H, Chen T-W, Weng M-C, Lee C-L, Wang G-J. The correlation between selected measurements from footprint and radiograph of flatfoot.

Objectives

To assess the subarch angle obtained from electronic footprints using a capacitive mat transducer system in children with flatfeet, to evaluate other foot arch indexes, and to compare the results with radiographic measurements.

Design

A cross-sectional study.

Setting

Rehabilitation clinic in a municipal hospital.

Participants

Thirty-two children (age range, 7–13y) diagnosed with flatfeet.

Interventions

Radiographic measurements and foot shape measurements obtained from feet.

Main Outcome Measures

Talo-first metatarsal angle, talocalcaneal angle, talo-horizontal angle, and calcaneal angle were obtained from radiographs. Subarch angle, arch indexes, and long plantar angle were all captured and calculated via a capacitive transducer plate.

Results

Correlations between the subarch angle and the talo-first metatarsal angle, talo-horizontal angle, and arch height were significant, as was the correlation between midfoot arch index and talo-horizontal angle. The forefoot arch index had no significant relationship with radiographic parameters. The talo-horizontal angle and arch height had significant relationships with the long plantar angle.

Conclusions

Measurement of the subarch angle had significant correlation with the radiographic parameters in children with flatfeet and it was accurately and easily obtained from a capacitive forceplate. Measurement of the subarch angle can be a useful tool in the assessment and diagnosis of flatfoot.