A plantographic study of the support function of the foot in children with the malformations of the forefoot

Abstract

Assessment of the anatomical and functional state of the feet in of children with malformations of the anterior foot has significant theoretical and practical value. The purpose of this study was to investigate the morphological and functional parameters of the feet in children with malformations of the anterior foot to assess load imbalance and to identify structural and functional disorders using computed plantography techniques. A plantogram analysis was conducted in 64 children aged 5–16 years with foot malformations followed by mathematical processing of plantographical characteristics of the feet (angles, indices, and ratios). The nature of the revealed deviations indicates disturbances of the statics of the affected foot and the inferiority of its dynamic functions (disturbed phase of rolling through the forefoot when walking), which indicates the appropriateness of surgical reconstruction of the anatomy of the foot to improve function.