FLAT FEET DIAGNOSTIC METHODS

Keywords: flat feet, flat feet diagnostic methods

Summary
The study aims to present diagnostic methods for the flat feet.
Platfus - flat foot or fallen arcade - is a medical condition obtained by flattening the arch of the
foot, making the feet surface fully or almost entirely in contact with the ground. [8]
Although the flat foot can be diagnosed by direct observation of the lower limb, the detailed
methods in the study complement the diagnosis, making possible a more accurate recovery
program.
There are three diagnostic methods for flat foot diagnosis. It targets platinum foot biomechanics
in order to diagnose the pathology, namely: calculating the plantar index, measuring the angles
on the radiograph and the plantogram.

Introduction
Walking is an essential act in the existence of man. The social and professional life of each of us
is largely conditioned by orthostatism and locomotion. [8]
The supporting surface is represented by the plantar foot of the foot, compared to the anatomical
shape with a vault. It is divided into two longitudinal, internal and external longitudinal and a
shorter anterior transverse. During the support, the contact on the ground is normally carried out
on the heel, the outer edge of the sole and the planar face of the antepicior.
Any pathological condition that appears to alter the anatomical curves of the foot affects the
body's support on the ground, its running, its retention of the orthostatic position. [1]
Platfus is a disease in which the longitudinal arch of the foot, which goes to the length of the
sole, has not developed normally and is lowered or flattened.
Diagnosis is usually done by direct examination and observation of the planting vault crash. It
can be observed the patient's walking, the tendency to step on the inner edge of the sole, the
appearance of a slightly limp, depending on the symptomatology, as well as the abnormal wear
pattern of the sole of the shoe at the medial heel. [5], [6]

Figure 1- normal foot vs. flat foot

Diagnostic methods:
1. Plantar Index Calculation:
A home and easy, traditional method of diagnosis is the "wet footprint" made by moistening feet
in water and then standing on a smooth surface such as heavyweight heavyweight paper or fine
paper or paper. Calculate the index Arched plantar "(A.I.- Arch Index) dividing the plantar
fingerprint into three equal areas, except for the fingers. The index of the plantar arch is
calculated as the middle of the foot, divided by the entire fingerprint. AI = B / A + B + C

Figure 2.Plantar index calculations

The results are interpreted: Foot with a normal plantar arc: between 0.21-0.28
Flat foot:> 0.28
Caval foot: <0.21

Figure 3.Plantar index values

2. Measure angles on radiography:

It may also be useful to perform a radiograph with anterior and lateral branch of the plant and
ankle. The talometatarsal lateral angle, the calcanean height, the distance from the medial
cuneiform base to the floor and the talonavicular coverage angle are measured. As a platfus-type
deformation develops, the arcade rests on the naviculocooniform or talonavicular joints
determining the elevation of the calcanean height, the decrease of the lateral talometatarsal angle,
and the depression of the cuneiform medial height. The plant moves laterally in abduction,
causing the medial subluxation of the talonavicular joint and the increase of the talonavicular
coverage angle. Profile radiographs illustrate the angle of inclination of the calcaneum, the angle
formed between the calcaneus and the first metatarsus, and the anterior-posterior one shows
information about the talonavicular angle and the angle of the talus and the second metatarsus.
 Figure 4.Normal angles vs. modified angles

A- the inclination angle of the calcaneus

B- the angle formed between the calcaneus and the first metatarsian
C- thalonavicular angle
D- angle formed by the thalus and the first two metatarsian

In the case of a flat foot, the angle A is reduced, and the angles B, C and D are increased.

Radiography of the foot in loading: Angle formed by tangency at the bottom of the
calcaneus and horizontal (angle C) Angle formed by tangency at the bottom edge of the
talus and calcaneus (thalous-calcareal angle TC)
Interpretation :

Normal: Flat foot

20 C C angle low
Angle T C ~45 C with or without TC angle

Figure 5. Measuring the angle of the arch on the radiograph of the profile in the loading

Measuring the angle of the inner arch through the Djian angle formed by passing lines:
- the medial support point of the first sesamoid ray,
- the smallest point of the talonavicular space,
- the more inclined support point of the calcaneus.
 Figure 6. Measure the angle of the inner arch through the Djian angle

Interpretation :

Normal: 125 (116-136)

Flat foot> 136

Cow foot <115

3.Plantogram
The plantogram is a very simple examination in which the adult child is climbing his legs on a
special device that paints a pattern on the foot support. Then compare the drawing obtained in
the ideal way to iron. [5], [6]

Figure 7.aspect : normal foot vs. flat foot

Conclusions:
An old Chinese proverb says, "Any one thousand kilometers starts one step." This step, which
can sometimes take us so far, can not be done in optimal conditions than a truly leg. The foot is a
complex machine And a fundamental part of our body. The flat foot is a pathology that should be
treated with serious seriousness and involvement as it can bring other suffering, not just to the
foot. As the flat foot diagnosis is at the early stage of the condition, the better the chances of
recovery.
Bibliogaphy:

[1] Papilian V. - Human anatomy. The locomotory device, 12th edition, Bic All Publishing,
2006,
[2] Prundeanu H. - Anatomy Compendium, Artpress Publishing House, Timioara 2011,
[3] Baciu C.- Functional anatomy of the locomotor apparatus, Stadion Publishing House,
Bucharest, 1972
[4] Http://www.chirurgiapiciorului.ro/
[5] http://www.romedic.com/
[6] http://www.lectiadeortopedie.ro
[7] http://www.livestrong.com