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Lateral column length in adult flatfoot deformity
Steve Kang1, Timothy P Charlton, David B Thordarson
1University of Southern California-Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
Foot & Ankle International
|March 23, 2013
Summary
Adult acquired flatfoot deformity does not involve a shortened lateral column length. Associated deformities like forefoot abduction and hindfoot valgus create the perception of a shorter lateral column in flatfoot patients.
Area of Science:
- Orthopaedic surgery
- Foot and ankle biomechanics
- Radiographic analysis
Background:
- Adult acquired flatfoot deformity (AAFD) is common, but the role of lateral column length in its progression is debated.
- Previous studies have not compared lateral column length in AAFD patients versus controls.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare lateral column length in patients with and without AAFD.
- To determine if lateral column length differs significantly between these groups.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective radiographic review of 75 patients with AAFD and 57 controls.
- Weightbearing AP and lateral foot radiographs analyzed for medial/lateral column lengths and heights, talonavicular uncoverage, talus-first metatarsal angle, and calcaneal pitch.
- Unpaired t-tests used for statistical comparison.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant difference in medial or lateral column lengths between AAFD and control groups.
- Significant differences observed in medial/lateral column heights, talonavicular uncoverage, calcaneal pitch, and talus-first metatarsal angles.
Conclusions:
- Lateral column length is not a distinguishing feature of AAFD.
- The appearance of a shortened lateral column in AAFD is likely due to compensatory forefoot abduction and hindfoot valgus.
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