Investigation of the role of calcaneal dimensions in pes cavus and pes planus (920.4)

Abstract

Background: Disruption in the medial longitudinal arch (MLA) of the foot can lead to pes cavus (high arched foot) or pes planus (low arched foot). The importance of the calcaneus in MLA structure can be inferred in the treatment of severe pes planus, where alteration of calcaneal length is performed if conservative treatments have failed. Purpose: To our knowledge, no previous study has investigated whether variations in calcaneal size can be correlated to MLA height. The purpose of this study was to compare calcaneal dimensions between pes cavus, normal MLA, and pes planus groups. Methods: Utilizing OsiriX software, several dimensions of 3D calcanei were compared between pes cavus, normal MLA, and pes planus subjects. Results: The pes cavus, normal MLA, and pes planus groups did not show any significant differences between group means for all calculated dimensions. Although not statistically significant, calcaneal length (p=0.140), talar articular surface width (p=0.228), and calcaneal tuberosity height (p=0.087) exhibited increasing size with increasing MLA height. This study should be repeated with a larger population to further verify this trend. Conclusion: There is no significant difference in these specific calcaneal dimensions between pes cavus, normal MLA, and pes planus groups. This study provides evidence that calcaneal lengthening procedures may be altering a normally sized calcaneus.