Supination deformity of the forefoot

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
• Human and Animal Locomotion Studies

Background:

• Supination deformity of the forefoot is an uncommon condition.
• Previous research has not fully elucidated the etiological factors contributing to this deformity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the underlying causes of forefoot supination deformity.
• To evaluate the efficacy of surgical treatment for this condition.

Main Methods:

• Clinical observations of eleven human cases with forefoot supination deformity.
• Experimental production of the deformity in a rabbit model.
• Analysis of primary conditions associated with the deformity, including spina bifida, talipes equinovarus, poliomyelitis, trauma, and muscular dystrophy.

Main Results:

• The study suggests that the loss of peroneus longus muscle function, coupled with the action of a strong tibialis anterior muscle, is critical in causing forefoot supination.
• Surgical treatment, including wedge resection of the first cuneiform and first metatarsal bones along with tibialis anterior tendon transfer, was successful in nine operated cases.

Conclusions:

• The combination of peroneus longus muscle insufficiency and tibialis anterior muscle overactivity is a key factor in developing forefoot supination.
• Surgical correction, specifically osteotomy and tendon transfer, offers a viable and successful treatment option for forefoot supination deformity.