Radiological assessment of the effects of a full rolling motion shoe during asymmetrical bearing

The authors used a new radiological method to assess asymmetrical articular compression of the interphalangeal joints. This method was based on the measurements of 3 angles obtained on dorsopalmar radiographs. Variations of these angles were studied during experimental asymmetrical bearing on unshod feet. It was concluded that 2 angles were interesting parameters to assess asymmetrical articular compression and to define the position of the phalanx in the horny box. Furthermore, variations of these angles induced by experimental asymmetrical bearing were compared without shoe, with a standard shoe and with an orthopaedic full rolling motion shoe. It was observed that the effects of the asymmetrical bearing were reduced when feet were shod with a full rolling motion shoe.