Flat Foot Research Paper

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Flat foot (Pes planus) in adults What is flat foot?
Absence or loss of medial arch of the foot is defined as flat foot.
What are the types of flat foot in adults?
There are two types of flat foot in adults:
a) Physiological b) Pathological
What is the difference in the two types of flat foot?
a) Physiological flat foot: This is bilateral and symmetrical. The flat foot deformity is flexible. This is usually asymptomatic and does not require surgical treatment.

b) Pathological flat foot: This is usually unilateral or bilateral, asymmetrical. The deformity is rigid. The patients are symptomatic. The deformity is progressive. This group of patients should be diagnosed and treated soon as delay in management affects the treatment and prognosis. …show more content…

Cavus represents high arch. This is best appreciated from side. Varus deformity means that the hind feet rather than being in a neutral position, are medially inclined (heels facing each other). Varus is best appreciated from behind.

What are the causes of Cavo Varus deformity?
Although in quite a few cases there is no known cause (Idiopathic), this deformity can be associated with a neurological cause such as Charcot Marie tooth disease, Cerebral Palsy, Spinal problems or Polio. On the other hand, a varus deformity on its own can be due to significant ankle arthritis (usually post traumatic commonly resulting from an old severe lateral ligament or peroneal tendon injury).

What is the treatment?
In early stages orthotics can be tried for a flexible deformity. However, this being progressive deformity a surgical intervention is indicated in most cases. In early stages, tendon transfers and osteotomies can be considered. In cases of fixed deformity joint fusion surgery is required.

Take Home message: Consider a neurological cause when examining a cavo varus deformity. This usually requires specialist surgical intervention and therefore should be referred to Secondary …show more content…

Most patients with a grade II injury get better by about 6-12 weeks after injury. However, up to 40% of patients suffering from a Grade III sprain do not improve and suffer from pain and or instability.
What is the treatment of Acute Ankle Sprains?
Treatment of the acute sprain includes conventional measures (Rest, Ice or cold packs, compression, elevation, NSAIDs). If patients have persistent pain, swelling, and activity limitations or reach an unacceptable plateau after 12 weeks, an MRI is indicated.
What are the indications for surgery?
There are two indications for surgery:
a) Pain: This is seen in about 20-40% patients with grade 3 sprain. This is due to soft tissue impingement. Arthroscopic surgery is quite effective to deal with this.
b) Instability: This is seen in up to a third of patients with grade 3 sprains. An anatomic ligament reconstruction (Brostrom repair) has been reported as gold standard of surgical treatment with good functional outcome in 90% patients.
Take Home message: 95% of ankle sprains involve lateral aspect of ankle. Majority improve with non surgical measures. Physiotherapy is useful and should be considered for severe ankle sprain. If symptoms do not settle after 3 months MRI scan / referral to secondary care is

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