surgery-ortho-2017-posters-accepted-abstracts

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International Surgery and Ortho Conference

October 25-26, 2017 | Toronto, Canada

Case Rep Surg Invasive Proced 2017 | Volume 1 Issue 3

Statement of the Problem:

Flexible flatfoot is reported to

affect up to 23% of the adult population and is a condition

treated by many health professionals with an interest in

the foot and ankle. Flexible flatfoot is characterised by a

reduction in the height of the medial longitudinal arch along

with eversion of the rearfoot. From a functional perspective,

a flexible flatfoot does not provide support and stability of the

foot during the propulsive phase of stance. Failing to achieve

dynamic stabilisation compromises the counteraction and

influence of ground reaction forces as well as the adaption

to the supporting surface.

Methodology & Theoretical Orientation:

Pain and symptoms

proximally to the foot, an awareness of a flexible flatfoot and

reports of fatigue are the typical triggers for patients to seek

advice from a health professional. Whilst non-responsive

and extreme cases can be treated surgically, flexible flatfoot

is typically managed conservatively, with much of the

literature focused on prevention. Foot orthoses-which can

range from a simple device, to a mild contoured device

and a fully bespoke manufactured CAD-CAM device, are

commonly used in flexible flatfoot. Although the mechanism

of action of foot orthoses is continuously debated by many, it

is suggested that they act to control kinematic foot function

and reduce plantar pressures. However, in contrast, the

therapeutic value of foot orthoses for flexible flatfoot are

not well explored, and there is a need to direct studies that

explore patient centred outcomes with focus on fatigue and

pain.

Conclusion & Significance:

Although the complexity of foot

and lower limb function is acknowledged, and whilst foot

orthoses for flexible flatfoot may be functionally beneficial,

there is a need to focus on the therapeutic response.

The role of foot orthoses and flexible flatfoot

Sarah A Curran

Cardiff School of Sport & Health Sciences- Cardiff Metropolitan University, UK