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Radiographic foot morphology and its association with Sinus Tarsi syndrome
Muhammed Furkan Küçükşen1, Haluk Yaka2, Mustafa Özer2
1Department of Orthopaedics & Traumatology, Konya City Hospital, Konya, Turkey.
Background:
Sinus tarsi syndrome is a clinical condition characterized by diffuse lateral foot pain, with underlying causes that remain incompletely understood. Radiographic parameters reflecting sagittal foot morphology and load distribution may be related to this condition.
Purpose:
To investigate the relationship between sinus tarsi syndrome and radiographic parameters that may influence load distribution and reflect sagittal foot morphology.
Study Design:
Retrospective comparative study.
Methods:
Between 2018 and 2022, 61 patients with chronic nontraumatic lateral foot pain and magnetic resonance imaging findings consistent with sinus tarsi syndrome were evaluated. A control group of 61 patients with similar demographics, no specific foot pathology on examination, and no MRI findings suggestive of sinus tarsi syndrome was selected. On weightbearing lateral radiographs, calcaneal inclination angle, lateral talocalcaneal angle, Böhler's angle, Gissane angle, sinus tarsi length, and sinus tarsi depth were measured. The sinus tarsi steepness index was calculated by dividing depth by length.
Results:
Patients with sinus tarsi syndrome showed smaller Gissane and lateral talocalcaneal angles and shorter sinus tarsi length, but greater depth and steepness index compared with controls. In multivariable analysis, sinus tarsi depth, length, and steepness index were independently associated with sinus tarsi syndrome.These findings indicate a steeper sinus tarsi configuration that may underlie the condition's pathomechanics.
Conclusion:
A steeper sinus tarsi morphology is associated with sinus tarsi syndrome, likely due to altered ligament tension and increased intra-sinus pressure. Recognizing this morphology may help identify high-risk patients and guide surgical planning when conservative treatment fails.
