Abstract
Background Idiopathic scoliosis in children can cause noticeable changes in the musculoskeletal system including the feet and the relationship between spinal deformity and impaired biomechanics of the feet is important to learn in the case. The purpose was to explore plantographic characteristics of feet in children with severe idiopathic scoliosis before and after surgical correction of the curve using transpedicular spinal systems. Material and methods Foot support indices were measured in 18 children aged 14-17 years with grades III and IV idiopathic scoliosis Lenke types I, III, V and VI. The results were compared with plantographic findings of 18 healthy children. Results The medial index m was within normal limits with a double-support load in patients with idiopathic scoliosis before spinal surgery. The rest of the indices were significantly reduced irrespective of the extent of the foot load. Double-support load tests showed a pathologically strong correlation between the medial and median support indices m ~ s. The spring function of the foot arches was intact. The frontal balance of the spine correlated with the foot support indices. Patients developed no foot rigidity at 9–10 days of surgery and showed an increased asymmetry in the arches of the contralateral feet and an abnormal increase in the relationship between the foot support indices m, s and t with no correlation between the frontal balance of the spine and the plantographic characteristics. Conclusion Children with severe idiopathic scoliosis were shown to develop impaired biomechanics of the feet with decreased contact area between the feet and the support surface, and a pathological increase in the functional relationship of the arches. Impaired biomechanics of the feet appeared to aggravate at a short term following correction of spinal deformity.
Highlights
Scoliosis is the most common spinal deformity in childhood [1]
Despite considerable efforts to identify the etiopathogenesis of idiopathic scoliosis, there is no significant progress in understanding the causes of spinal curvature
Plantographic measurements in healthy children (Table. 1) showed a twofold increase in the foot loading leading to significant increase in the support indices t, m and s with decreased l index indicating to good elasticity of the foot muscles and ligaments with an adequate spring function
Summary
Scoliosis is the most common spinal deformity in childhood [1]. Despite considerable efforts to identify the etiopathogenesis of idiopathic scoliosis, there is no significant progress in understanding the causes of spinal curvature. Idiopathic scoliosis (IS) is a polyethological disease caused by genetic factors, neurological dysfunctions, hormonal and metabolic disorders, skeletal growth abnormalities, and biochemical factors. There is growing support for the possibility of an underlying sensorimotor integration disorder during ambulation in IS patients [2]. Biomechanical methods are used to assess sensory disorders in IS patients [3]. IS in children is associated with musculoskeletal changes including the feet, and biomechanical studies offer important information about the feet [4]. Impaired supporting function of the feet in IS children leads to the progression of spinal deformity [5], and causes back pain and neurological disorders [6]. Idiopathic scoliosis in children can cause noticeable changes in the musculoskeletal system including the feet and the relationship between spinal deformity and impaired biomechanics of the feet is important to learn in the case. The results were compared with plantographic findings of 18 healthy children
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