Effects of a UCBL orthosis and a calcaneal osteotomy on tibiotalar contact characteristics in a cadaver flatfoot model.

Abstract

A flatfoot deformity alters the contact characteristics of the ankle joint, shifting the location of articulation posterolaterally, increasing pressure, and decreasing the contact area within the ankle. These changes may explain the pattern of articular degeneration and subsequent angulation observed in a long-standing adult acquired flatfoot. Corrective orthoses and surgical reconstruction have been used to realign pes planovalgus feet, but the effects of these treatments on tibiotalar contact characteristics are unknown. We hypothesized that realignment of a flatfoot with either corrective orthosis or surgical reconstruction would restore the contact characteristics of the ankle to the intact state.