In-vivo comparison of plantar pressures in pes rectus, pes planus, and the adult acquired flatfoot using supine, vertical posture and gait measurements

Mentor

Scope

Dysfunction of the posterior tibial tendon, the most common cause of acquired flatfoot deformity in adults (AAFD), affects nearly 5 million Americans today. An intraoperative, supine plantar pressure system represents a potentially powerful tool that could further aid surgical decision making. The authors have previously developed such a system and proven its accuracy and reliability. If one can restore pathologic parameters to known normal values, then flatfoot reconstruction can be improved. We hypothesize that patients with AAFD will have increased medial foot pressure parameters when compared to rectus and pes planus feet as tested in the supine plantar pressure system. In addition, we expect to see that patients with AAFD will have increased medial foot pressure parameters when compared to rectus and pes planus as tested both standing and walking.

Three groups of patients will be recruited for the study: normal, flatfoot, and severe flatfoot. Each foot will be tested three times by a single, blinded investigator for supine, standing, and walking test conditions. Plantar pressures will be collected and compared across groups.

The study already has IRB approval. The student would aid in recruiting patients, collecting plantar pressure data, and analyzing the data. The goal is to submit this to the annual AAOS and AOFAS meetings and eventually write a manuscript.

Contact

This position is filled.