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Updated: Jan 4, 2026
Author Spotlight: Integrating Mechanical and Biological Analysis in Tendinopathy Research
Published on: March 1, 2024
Gait alterations in posterior tibial tendonitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Junsig Wang1, Erin M Mannen1, Safeer F Siddicky1
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Science, Little Rock, AR, USA.
Background:
Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD) is a common and debilitating tendinopathy that can lead to a profound decrease in gait function. While the clinical diagnosis and treatment of this disorder are well described, the pathomechanics have not been adequately characterized. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to compare foot/ankle kinematics and kinetics in patients with PTTD with healthy controls during gait.
Methods:
Relevant articles were selected thought Medline (Pubmed), Scopus, CINAHL, and Web of Science. Studies focused on foot/ankle kinematics and kinetics in patients with PTTD were involved. Articles were included if they: 1) compared patients with PTTD to healthy controls, 2) utilized kinematics or kinetics as the primary outcome measure, 3) evaluated gait tasks, and 4) were written in English.
Results:
Eleven articles were included in this systematic review, and 8 studies were synthesized and analyzed. Our meta-analyses indicated increased dorsiflexion and abduction of the forefoot, as well as increased plantarflexion and eversion of hindfoot for patients with PTTD during stance of walking.
Conclusion:
Our results from the meta-analysis showed more conclusive changes in the forefoot (increased dorsiflexion and abduction) and hindfoot (increased plantarflexion and eversion) kinematics during stance of walking, which may be associated with a pathological process of PTTD. This review provides an improved understanding of gait function in patients with PTTD and preliminary knowledge for future research.
