Review of Classification Systems for Adult Acquired Flatfoot Deformity/Progressive Collapsing Foot Deformity and the Novel Development of the Triple Classification Delinking Instability/Deformity/Reactivity and Foot Type

Abstract

Background: Classifications of AAFD/PCFD have evolved with an increased understanding of the pathology involved. A review of classification systems helps identify deficiencies and respective contributions to the evolution in understanding the classification of AAFD/PCFD. Methods: Using multiple electronic database searches (Medline, PubMed) and Google search, original papers classifying AAFD/PCFD were identified. Nine original papers were identified that met the inclusion criteria. Results: Johnson’s original classification and multiple variants provided a significant leap in understanding and communicating the pathology but remained tibialis posterior tendon-focused. Drawbacks of these classifications include the implication of causality, linearity of progression through stages, an oversimplification of stage 2 deformity, and a failure to understand that multiple tendons react, not just tibialis posterior. Later classifications, such as the PCFD classification, are deformity-centric. Early ligament laxity/instability in normal attitude feet and all stages of cavus feet can present with pain and instability with minor/no deformity. These may not be captured in deformity-based classifications. The authors developed the ‘Triple Classification’ (TC) understanding that primary pathology is a progressive ligament failure/laxity that presents as tendon reactivity, deformity, and painful impingement, variably manifested depending on starting foot morphology. In this classification, starting foot morphology is typed, ligament laxities are staged, and deformity is zoned. Conclusions: This review has used identified deficiencies within classification systems for AAFD/PCFD to delink ligament laxity, deformity, and foot type and develop the ‘Triple classification’. Advantages of the TC may include representing foot types with no deformity, defining complex secondary instabilities, delinking foot types, tendon reactivity/ligament instability, and deformity to represent these independently in a new classification system. Level of Evidence: Level V.