Arch Height Research Articles

Analysis of windlass mechanism according to one walking cycle.

[Purpose] This study aimed to calculate the windlass mechanism in one walking cycle (WC) using the medial longitudinal arch (MLA) height and compare its mechanism with joint moments, angles, and center of gravity movement. [Participants and Methods] The study analyzed the gait of 20 healthy adults (14 males, six females) using a three-dimensional motion analyzer to calculate several parameters. [Results] In the terminal stance, the MLA height reached 20.6 ± 6.0 mm (minimum value) at 49% WC. Simultaneously, the ankle dorsiflexion angle, ankle internal plantarflexion moment, and forward shift of the center of gravity reached the maximum values. At 62% WC, the MLA height was 26.8 ± 4.8 mm and reached maximum during the stance phase, indicating a windlass mechanism. Additionally, the MLA height was 61.7 ± 22.7 mm at 69% WC, indicating an MLA spiking phenomenon. [Conclusion] The MLA height was lowest at 49% WC due to reverse windlass mechanism. Although the windlass mechanism was activated at 62% WC, it was functionally equivalent to the swing phase. Push-off was impossible during the swing phase. At 69% WC, the swing phase showed a second windlass mechanism.

Craniological features of the American mink in south-eastern Belarus

A series of skulls (n = 27) of the American mink (Neogale vison) from the south-east of Belarus (Gomel region, floodplain of the Sozh River) was studied. The animals were caught by different hunters in 2000–2004. The sex of individuals was not determined. When examining the skull, only the most pronounced morpho-anatomical changes that can be diagnosed confidently as deviations from the norm were taken into account. In all cases, lamellar deposition of calcium salts in the area of tentorium cerebelli osseum inside the cranial vault was detected. The growing plate length reached half of the arch height in some individuals. These traits (considerable area of bone plates; presence of a sharp spine growing in different plains) allow suggesting that the analysed growths are of pathological origin. This pathology can considerably affect the viability and physiological status of individuals as it disrupts the functioning of the central nervous system. It is difficult to identify the cause of intracranial calcifications due to the possible effect of factors of various nature. Some degree of calcification of the opisthion region of foramen magnum was found. The changes occurred in the foramen shape cannot be considered phenetic variability. In most individuals, the thinning of maxillary bone in the teeth roots area is observed. However, we believe that the identified degree of bone tissue thinning is not critical and therefore does not affect the life expectancy of individuals. Two adult individuals have swelling of the maxillary bone. In one case, an extensive bone tissue excavation was identified on the left lower jaw, which led to the loss of the canine tooth. The analysed pathomorphological change is not of traumatic nature because in case of post-traumatic osteomyelitis sequesters (separating fragments) are formed. It is necessary to further analyse the American mink skulls available at scientific collections of Belarus and to identify the degree of calcium salt deposits and their impact on the foramen magnum phenotypes. We consider it necessary to create an annotated catalogue of pathologies and anomalies of the skull of the American mink in the south-east of Belarus and adjacent territories of Ukraine, since the morphological method is essential in the diagnosis of bone tissue diseases.

Design and development of a low-cost device to measure foot parameters in children with disability: A “footmeter”

AIM: To design and develop a low-cost device to measure foot parameters in children with disability. METHOD: Designing of the device was done using Solidworks software, after finalization of design, Phase 2 which involved the development of footmeter, materials used were, a rectangular wooden frame, an aluminum slider, goniometers, metal sheet with markings of 1 cm over an entire sheet in vertical as well as horizontal direction forming small grids. RESULT: An early version of “Footmeter” device was developed by assembling all the parts together. The Footmeter evaluates: foot length, width of forefoot, midfoot and hindfoot, height of Medial Longitudinal Arch(MLA) , abduction of 1st MetaTarso Phalangeal (MTP) and deviation for metatarsus adductus. CONCLUSION: The groundbreaking Footmeter device is meticulously designed for measuring foot parameters in children with disabilities. It offers an unparalleled blend of precision, efficiency, and simplicity. With its objective outcomes, minimal training requirements, decreased manual errors, and a streamlined assessment process, “Footmeter” device stands as the ultimate all-in-one tool for the meticulous measurement of foot parameters in children with disabilities.

For plantar taping, direction of elasticity matters

Plantar taping has been used in clinical settings as a short-term conservative treatment for plantar heel pain and related pathologies. The rise of at-home taping methods may offer patients more independence, but effectiveness has not been established. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of plantar taping on foot mechanics during gait. We hypothesized that material compliance would drive mechanical effectiveness, with longitudinally inelastic tape reducing medial longitudinal arch (MLA) motion and anterior/posterior (A/P) plantar tissue spreading forces, and laterally inelastic tape reducing medial/lateral (M/L) tissue spreading. We also hypothesized that these effects would be influenced by foot structure. Fifteen healthy participants were tested in a randomized cross-over study design. Barefoot (BF) plus four taping methods were evaluated, including two inelastic tapes (Low-Dye, LD, and FasciaDerm, FD) along with longitudinally elastic kinesiology tape (KT) and a novel laterally elastic kinesiology tape (FAST, FS). Participants’ arch height and flexibility were measured followed by instrumented gait analysis with a multi-segment foot model. Ankle eversion and MLA drop/rise were calculated from rearfoot and forefoot reference frames, while plantar tissue spreading was calculated from shear stresses. ANOVAs with Holm pairwise tests evaluated tape effects while correlations connected arch structure and taping effectiveness (α = 0.05). The three longitudinally inelastic tapes (LD, FD, FS) reduced MLA drop by 11–15% compared with KT and BF. In late stance, these tapes also inhibited MLA rise (LD by 29%, FD and FS by 10–15%). FS and FD reduced A/P spreading forces, while FD reduced M/L spreading forces compared with all other conditions. Arch height had a moderately strong correlation (r = -0.67) with the difference in MLA drop between BF and FS. At-home plantar taping can affect the mechanical function of the foot, but tape elasticity direction matters. Longitudinally elastic kinesiology tape has little effect on mechanics, while inelastic tapes control MLA drop but also restrict MLA rise in late stance. Lateral elasticity does not limit tissue spreading and may increase comfort without sacrificing MLA control. At-home taping has the potential to broaden conservative treatment of plantar heel pain, flat foot deformity, and related pathologies, but additional studies are needed to connect mechanics with symptom relief.

Arch height flexibility is associated with plantar fascia tension during running

BackgroundPlantar fascia tension is considered to cause plantar fasciitis, and medial longitudinal arch decrease is believed to be a risk factor for plantar fasciitis. Arch height index (AHI) and arch height flexibility (AHF) are useful indicators for evaluating medial longitudinal arch. However, the relationship between plantar fascia tension during running and these indicators remain unclear. Research questionAre the foot characteristics in AHI and AHF that represent medial longitudinal arch related to plantar fascia tension during running? MethodsTwenty-two male participants enrolled in this study. Foot characteristics required for calculating AHI and AHF were measured using the AHI measurement system. AHI was defined as the height from the floor to the dorsum of the foot divided by the truncated foot length with 10% or 50% load. AHF was defined as the change in arch height from the 10% and 50% loads. Marker trajectories of the foot and force plate data during running were measured using a three-dimensional motion analysis system and a force plate. Based on the measured data, the peak values of the plantar fascia tension were analyzed. Pearson’s correlation was used to determine the relationship between foot characteristics and plantar fascia tension. ResultsNo significant correlation was found between AHI in the 10% load condition and plantar fascia tension (r = −0.36, p = 0.09) or between AHI in the 50% load condition and plantar fascia tension (r = −0.148, p = 0.515). In contrast, a significant moderate positive correlation was observed between AHF and plantar fascia tension (r = 0.568, p < 0.01). SignificanceAHF is a change in arch height between sitting and standing positions, can be easily used to evaluate plantar fascia tension in clinical settings. This study implies that evaluating AHF is a useful tool in considering plantar fascia tension during running.

Tunnel entrance crossing spoil heap deformations control by micropile combine with coupling beams

Aiming at the deformation control problem of the tunnel entrance crossing the spoil heap at the Xialao junction, this paper adopts the micropile combined with the coupling beams method to treat the spoiled layers. The results show that the excavation of the tunnel after the construction of the micropile and coupling beam will cause vertical deformation of the tunnel and the slope surface. The main reason is that the soil layer structure is loose, and the tunnel excavation causes the whole displacement of the loose body. In addition, the buried depth of the tunnel is shallow, so it cannot form an effective soil arch. The stability process after the construction of the micropile method is the process of stress redistribution, and the rock and soil are gradually compressed and compacted. That is, the construction by the micropile method changes the surrounding rock level of the tunnel and reduces the height of the soil arch. Therefore, it is suggested that the tunnel excavation should be carried out when the micropile is constructed after the soil layers are consolidated completely. The micropile method treats the loose spoiled soil at the tunnel entrance, which saves 73% of the total cost compared with the scheme of directly digging out the accumulation, and the economic benefit is very obvious.

Effects of Low-Dye Tape on Arch Height and Its Impact on the Medial Gastrocnemius Electromyographic Activity in Structurally Differentiable Foot Types: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study.

Low-Dye tape (LDT) is a short-term treatment for plantar fasciitis, where external stabilization by means of the tape improves kinetics, kinematics, pain level, and electromyography (EMG). The purpose of this study was to compare the EMG of the medial gastrocnemius (MG) and changes in arch height (AH) based on the type of foot. A total of 30 subjects participated in this study; they walked on a treadmill barefoot and when taped, where the average activity and changes in AH were measured over a 30 s period. The statistical intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) to test for reliability was calculated, and the Wilcoxon test was determined for measures of EMG and AH. The reliability of the values of EMG was almost perfect. The data show that there was an increase in height in the comparison of the moment pre-baseline walking and post-taped walking on neutral feet (5.61 ± 0.46 vs. 5.77 ± 0.39 cm, p < 0.05), on pronated feet (5.67 ± 0.57 vs. 6.01 ± 0.53 cm, p < 0.001) and on supinated feet (5.97 ± 0.36 vs. 6.28 ± 0.27 cm, p < 0.05). In the MG, EMG activity decreased significantly in the taped condition compared to the baseline condition in neutral subjects (0.0081 ± 0.016 vs. 0.076 ± 0.016 mV, p < 0.05) and in pronated subjects (0.081 ± 0.022 vs. 0.068 ± 0.025 mV, p < 0.05). It was demonstrated that with the use of LDT, there was an improvement in the average activity in the MG in pronated and neutral feet. All foot types improved in arch height with the use of tape.

Effects of Pes Planus on Foot Pain, Low Back Pain and Balance in Young Adult Individuals

Purpose : Pes planus is the reduction or complete loss of the medial longitudinal arch height of the foot. There are conflicting results in the literature explaining the relationship between pes planus and foot pain, low back pain, and balance in young adult individuals. This study aimed to determining the effects of pes planus on foot pain, low back pain and balance in young adult individuals. Methods: A total of 59 participants were included in this cross-sectional study. Feiss line test, Foot Function Index (FFI), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and Stork Balance Test (SBT) were used to assess pes planus, foot pain, low back pain, and balance respectively. Results: There was no significant difference between FFI, VAS (resting-activity), and left foot SBT values comparisons of individuals without pes planus and with pes planus (p&gt;0.05), it was found that the right SBT results were significantly higher in without pes planus than in pes planus (p

Cephalometric Evaluation of the Relationship Between Cervical Vertebral Morphology and Anomalies and the Cranial Base Angle in Different Facial Types and Skeletal Classes

This study examines the morphology and common anomalies of the cervical vertebrae in different skeletal classes and facial types. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 137 lateral cephalometric images of patients aged 18-55 years. The images were evaluated for fusion and posterior arch deficiency as the two most common anomalies along with cervical vertebral morphology (dense angle, the height of the posterior arch of the atlas, the external anterior posterior diameter of the atlas, and the cranial base angle). Data were categorized into three skeletal classes based on the Wits analysis and the ANB angle and also three facial types based on the SN-MP angle. These calculations were performed in SPSS 22 at the significance level of P&lt;0.05. The height of the posterior arch of the atlas was directly and significantly related to age and increased with it. The mean external anterior posterior diameter of C1 was higher in men and in the hypodivergent group. As for the other factors, including cervical spine anomalies, no significant relationship was observed with age, sex, skeletal classes, facial types, and the cranial base angle. Moreover, the mean morphology of the cervical spine was not significantly associated with skeletal classes. Based on the results, the height of the posterior arch of the atlas was associated with age and increased along with it. Moreover, the mean external anterior posterior diameter of the atlas was greater in men and in hypodivergent individuals.

Cavus Foot in Soccer Players: Increased Prevalence in Experienced Players and Risk Factor for Injury.

Foot type, especially cavus foot, is associated with foot and ankle soccer injuries, such as ankle sprains, ankle instability, and foot and ankle lateral injuries. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for foot and ankle injuries among soccer players. Male and female soccer players, from beginners to semiprofessionals, aged between 10 and 40 years were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Players filled in questionnaires about their training and injury history. Clinical measurements included foot length, Foot Posture Index-6, and arch height flexibility. Each variable was dichotomized: age (<18 years versus ≥18 years), level of play (AA and below versus AAA and above), foot type (cavus or not), and injury. Injury occurrence was analyzed using χ2 tests between each group of variables, and significance was set at P < .05. A total of 277 players, including 81 females, volunteered; 147 were younger than 18 years and 180 were AA level or below. Cavus foot prevalence was 30%. In the cavus foot group, 51.8% of players had reached at least an AAA level compared with 27.8% in the normal-arched group (P < .001 [χ2]). Injuries were associated with a cavus foot type (P < .01 [χ2]) and with sex, age, or highest level played (P < .001 [χ2]). This study identified a high prevalence of cavus foot among soccer players of all ages, with an increased prevalence among higher-level players. The injury risk factors were female sex, older age, playing at a higher level, and cavus feet.

A Method-Comparison Study Highlighting the Disparity between Osseous- and Skin-Based Measures of Foot Mobility.

This study examined the validity of standard clinical measures of arch height mobility, midfoot width mobility (MWM), and foot mobility magnitude (FMM) relative to skin-based and osseous measures derived from radiographs. Skin-based clinical indices of foot mobility were calculated from standard, caliper-based measures of foot length, midfoot width, and dorsal arch height of the left limb of 20 healthy participants (8-71 yr) during non-weight-bearing and weight-bearing. Skin-based radiographic and osseous indices were derived from concurrent anteroposterior and lateral radiographs. Agreement between skin-based clinical and skin-based radiographic measures of foot mobility with those of osseous measures was investigated using the Bland and Altman approach. Foot mobility indices derived from clinical measures were significantly higher (20%-50%) than skin-based radiographic measures ( P < 0.01), which were, in turn, significantly higher (200%-250%) than osseous measures ( P < 0.01). Clinical measures demonstrated significant levels of proportional bias compared with radiographic measures of foot mobility ( P < 0.01). The contribution of osseous movement to skin-based clinical measures of mobility was highly variable between individuals, ranging between 19% and 81% for arch height mobility, between 4% and 87% for MWM, and between 14% and 75% for FMM. The limits of tolerance for clinical measures of foot mobility ranged from ±3.2 mm for MWM to ±6.6 mm for measures of FMM. The limits of tolerance for skin-based clinical and skin-based radiographic measures were generally larger than osseous movement with weight-bearing. Skin-based measures of foot mobility, whether clinical or radiographic methods, are not interchangeable and are poor indicators of osseous mobility. Although further research regarding the utility of osseous measures is warranted, these findings strongly caution against the use of skin-based clinical measures of foot mobility in clinical and research settings.

Correlation Of Medial Longitudinal Arch Height With Postural Stability, Sensory Integration, Balance And Fall Risk Among Healthy Young Adults.

A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted on 165 healthy young adults. With pes rectus and pes planus to correlate the medial longitudinal arch height with postural stability, sensory integration of balance and fall risk. Persons with pes cavus, congenital foot anomalies other than pes planus, leg length discrepancies, recent history of trauma, lower limb amputations, history of serious foot injury, ligamentous laxity, or an active inflammatory disorder were excluded. Outcome measurements included normalised truncated navicular height (NTNH), Chippaux Smirak index (CSI), athletic single leg stability (ASLS) index, fall risk (FR) index, postural stability (PS), clinical test of sensory integration of balance (CTSIB), and balance error scoring system (BESS). Spearman correlation and Mann Whitney U test were used for data analysis. CSI and NTNH were noted to have no significant correlation (p<0.05) with PS, FR, CTSIB, ASLS and BESS among healthy young adults. Males were observed to have poorer balance and fall risk as compared to females.

Research on the design method for uniform wear of shield cutters in sand–pebble strata

AbstractDuring shield tunneling in highly abrasive formations such as sand–pebble strata, nonuniform wear of shield cutters is inevitable due to the different cutting distances. Frequent downtimes and cutter replacements have become major obstacles to long‐distance shield driving in sand–pebble strata. Based on the cutter wear characteristics in sand–pebble strata in Beijing, a design methodology for the cutterhead and cutters was established in this study to achieve uniform wear of all cutters by the principle of frictional wear. The applicability of the design method was verified through three‐dimensional simulations using the engineering discrete element method. The results show that uniform wear of all cutters on the cutterhead could be achieved by installing different numbers of cutters on each trajectory radius and designing a curved spoke with a certain arch height according to the shield diameter. Under the uniform wear scheme, the cutter wear coefficient is greatly reduced, and the largest shield driving distance is increased by approximately 47% over the engineering scheme. The research results indicate that the problem of nonuniform cutter wear in shield excavation could be overcome, thereby providing guiding significance for theoretical innovation and construction of long‐distance shield excavation in highly abrasive strata.

Anatomical Evaluation of the Atlas and Analysis of Accuracy for Freehand C1 Screw Placement

Objective: Atlanto-axial fusion surgery for instability is a recognized method. However, the complex anatomical structures of the atlas and axis make freehand C1 screw placement technically challenging. This study investigated the accuracy and safety of C1 screw placement without fluoroscopic or other guidance.Methods: A retrospective analysis of radiological data was performed on patients who underwent C1 instrumentation between April 2019 and January 2023, with all procedures performed by a spine surgeon with 4 years of experience. Computed tomography was used to evaluate cortical breaches during C1 screw placement. Breach severity was categorized based on the percentage of screw diameter beyond the cortical edge. Morphometric measurements of 30 healthy individuals and 22 patients who underwent surgery were obtained from preoperative CT scans of the bilateral pedicles at the C1 level. Coronal, axial, and sagittal CT reconstructions were examined to ascertain the distance from the screw entry point to the midpoint of the C1 posterior tubercle, diameter of the central canal of the atlas, screw convergence angle, height of the C1 posterior arch at the screw entry point, and width of the canal. Results: The surgeon placed 43 C1 screws in 22 consecutive patients. Seven (16%) breaches were identified, all of which were medial C1 screws. The breaches were classified as grades I, III, and IV in 4 (57%), 2 (29%), and 1 (14%) cases, respectively. No clinical complications arose owing to the breaches.Conclusion: The freehand technique for C1 screw placement without guidance yielded accurate and safe results. However, a preoperative morphometric assessment and careful familiarization with the unique anatomy are imperative for improving screw placement precision.

Correlation between whole-blood serotonin level and flexible pes planovalgus deformity in children and adolescents

Introduction Timely diagnosis, etiopathogenesis, treatment and prevention of the progression of pediatric flexible pes planovalgus (FPPV) are essential to prevent irreversible complications.The objective was to determine a correlation between whole-blood serotonin level and flexible pes planovalgus in children and adolescents over a period of four years with progression of the condition.Material and methods The whole-blood serotonin level was measured in children and adolescents aged 5-15 years with FPPV and compared with data from photoplantograms, a pronation angle of the calcaneus and radiographs of the feet. Based on serotonin measurements and photoplantograms, two groups were identified according to the course of flexible pes planovalgus and measurements during the next four years.Results Normal serotonin levels were maintained in the non-progressive FPPV group throughout the study with a 9.2 % decrease in the pronation of the calcaneus at 4 years. Progressive FPPV patients showed higher serum serotonin at one year with a 38.3 % increase at 4 years, increased pronation of the calcaneus by 21.2% and radiologically decreased height of the arch by 18.7 %. A moderate correlation between whole-blood serotonin levels, pronation of the calcaneus and the height of the foot arch was radiologically revealed in patients with a different course of FPPV. Analysis of the diagnostic effectiveness of the whole-blood serotonin test in patients with FPPV showed high sensitivity and specificity in predicting the risk of progression of FPPV.Discussion Literature review showed a paucity of research on clinical and laboratory detection of the progression of FPPV and examination of neurotransmitter mechanisms in the foot pathology. Plantography, 3D scanning and radiography were the main methods for the diagnosis of the flat feet.Conclusion The correlation between whole-blood serotonin level and flexible pes planovalgus in children and adolescents was identified and suggested involvement of the serotoninergic system in the formation and progression of foot pathology.

Comparison of foot kinematics and ground reaction force characteristics during walking in individuals with highly and mildly pronated feet

BackgroundIndividuals with highly pronated feet (PF) are more prone to lower extremity injuries than those with mildly PF. However, whether foot kinematics and ground reaction force (GRF) characteristics differ according to the severity of PF deformity is unclear. Research questionAre there differences in foot kinematics and GRF characteristics during walking between individuals with mildly PF and those with highly PF? MethodsTen individuals with mildly PF and 10 with highly PF (six-item foot posture index scores: 6–9 and 10–12 points, respectively) participated in this study. A three-dimensional motion analysis system measured participants’ foot kinematics and GRF characteristics during gait trials. ResultsParticipants with highly PF exhibited significantly lower medial longitudinal arch heights than those with mildly PF from 0 % to 90 % of the stance phase (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in any of the angles between the foot segments. Additionally, participants with highly PF exhibited significantly larger posterior GRF than those with mildly PF from 2 % to 7 % of the stance phase (p < 0.05). Participants with highly PF also exhibited significantly larger anterior GRF than those with mildly PF, from 62 % to 82 % of the stance phase (p < 0.05). SignificanceThe results of this study suggest that the more severe the PF deformity, the more inefficient the foot ground force transmission, and the stronger the load applied to the foot. These results may be related to the higher incidence of lower extremity injuries in individuals with highly PF than in those with mildly PF.

Establishing and Validating a Morphological Prediction Model Based on CTA to Evaluate the Incidence of Type-B Dissection.

Background: Many patients with Type B aortic dissection (TBAD) may not show noticeable symptoms until they become intervention and help prevent critically ill, which can result in fatal outcomes. Thus, it is crucial to screen people at high risk of TBAD and initiate the necessary preventive and therapeutic measures before irreversible harm occurs. By developing a prediction model for aortic arch morphology, it is possible to accurately identify those at high risk and take prompt action to prevent the adverse consequences of TBAD. This approach can facilitate timely the development of serious illnesses. Method: The predictive model was established in a primary population consisting of 173 patients diagnosed with acute Stanford TBAD, with data collected from January 2017 and December 2018, as well as 534 patients with healthy aortas, with data collected from April 2018 and December 2018. Explicitly, the data were randomly separated into the derivation set and validation set in a 7:3 ratio. Geometric and anatomical features were extracted from a three-dimensional multiplanar reconstruction of the aortic arch. The LASSO regression model was utilized to minimize the data dimension and choose relevant features. Multivariable logistic regression analysis and backward stepwise selection were employed for predictive model generation, combining demographic and clinical features as well as geometric and anatomical features. The predictive model's performance was evaluated by examining its calibration, discrimination, and clinical benefit. Finally, we also conducted internal verification. Results: After applying LASSO logistic regression and backward stepwise selection, 12 features were entered into the prediction model. Age, aortic arch angle, total thoracic aorta distance, ascending aorta tortuosity, aortic arch tortuosity, distal descending aorta tortuosity, and type III arch were protective factors, while male sex, hypertension, aortic arch height, and aortic arch distance were risk factors. The model exhibited satisfactory discrimination (AUC, 0.917 [95% CI, 0.890-0.945]) and good calibration in the derivation set. Applying the predictive model to the validation set also provided satisfactory discrimination (AUC, 0.909 [95% CI, 0.864-0.953]) and good calibration. The TBAD nomogram for clinical use was established. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that a multivariable logistic regression model can be used to predict TBAD patients.

A Cross Sectional Analysis of Arch Height and Pressure Distribution in a Normalized Population of More than 1000 Subjects

Category: Midfoot/Forefoot; Basic Sciences/Biologics Introduction/Purpose: There are normal variations in the shape of an individual’s foot. However, recent investigations involving large, heterogenous populations are scarce, complicating attempts to create a uniform definition of clinical foot arch height. The purpose of this study was to determine the distribution of plantar foot pressures from the general population. Methods: 1015 randomly sampled individuals (2030 feet) had a bipedal standing profile obtained utilizing a high sensitivity pressure mat. Data collected included: total foot length (cm), peak pressure (kPa), peak contact pressure (kPa), and total contact area (cm2). Demographic information and data regarding individual comorbidities previously to be linked to pathologic arch height conditions were collected. A flatfoot was defined as Midfoot total area&gt;Mean+1SD while a high arch was defined as Midfoot total area&lt; Mean-1SD. Results: Our logarithmic transformation the data was representative of a normally distributed dataset and our demographic data closely reflective of the demographics United States population. Data for the right foot vs left foot were: 8.18% and 6.50% of participants had a flatfoot, 78.82% and 79.51% had normal arches, and 13.00% and 13.99% had high arches, respectively. The prevalence of normal bilateral arches was 70.54%, bilateral flat feet was 3.55%, and bilateral high-arched feet was 8.67%. Conclusion: Our data demonstrate a normalized distribution of plantar pressures and arch heights that were sampled from a population larger and more representative of the general populous than previously described. Given that our data may more accurately reflect the spectrum of normal adult foot. With these baseline characteristics defined, future research into arch height associated pathologies may proceed with a more standardized assessment when defining study populations.

Morphological characterisation of pediatric Turner syndrome aortae: Insights from a small cohort study.

Cardiovascular disease is widespread in girls and women living with Turner syndrome (TS). Despite this prevalence, cardiovascular risk evaluation using the current guidelines has seen life-threatening aortic events occurring at dimensions classified within the normal threshold. In this study, we characterized the three-dimensional aortic geometries of Turner syndrome children and their age-matched healthy counterparts to evaluate various morphological parameters. Turner syndrome girls had overall greater values in ten out of fifteen parameters examined (p>0.05), when compared to healthy children: the aortic arch height and width; the ascending aorta, aortic arch (2 locations), and descending aorta diameters; the ratio of the ascending to descending aorta diameter; average curvature; average torsion; and average curvature-torsion score. Additionally, significant associations were found in the TS group: body surface area and both arch height (p=0.03) and arch height to width ratio (p=0.05), and aortic arch diameter and both body surface area (p=0.04) and weight (p=0.04). The new information resulting from this small cohort study contributes to an improved understanding of the morphological parameters affecting the hemodynamic environment in TS, and the clinical assessment of the increased cardiovascular risk in this population.

The Variation Between Unilateral and Bilateral Weight Bearing in Hindfoot Alignment Evaluation. Part I: A Prospective In Vivo Radiographic Study

Category: Hindfoot; Midfoot/Forefoot Introduction/Purpose: When weight bearing radiographs are taken, the patient is frequently asked to stand on the foot being examined with the other foot lifted off the floor. We have found however that alignments of the hind and midfoot change when bearing weight switches from bilateral to unilateral standing. This study investigated the possible differences in hindfoot alignments between unilateral and bilateral weight bearing using radiographical evaluation. Methods: Eight flexible feet without symptoms symptoms, nor significant trauma &amp; surgical history in their lower limbs were recruited for this study. A portable fluoroscopy machine (Smart C, Turner Imaging, Salt Lake City, USA) was used to take weightbearing lateral views. The patient first stood on both feet with the non-examined foot standing outside of the collimator but bearing weight evenly (Figure 1), and then lifted the non-examined foot off the floor when the lateral XR image was taken for the examined foot. Hindfoot alignment in both positions was reflected by measuring the angle between the long axes of the proximal and distal portions of the Achilles tendon on the skin using the subtalar joint line as the intersection. On lateral XRs, various parameters were measured to reflect the subtalar joint alignment, the position of the calcaneus with inversion and eversion of the hindfoot, and the lateral and medial arch heights. Results: From bearing weight on two feet (bilaterally) to one foot (unilaterally), the Hindfoot Alignment Angle (Achilles) increased (6.23 to 11.21 degrees), the Calcaneal Pitch Angle decreased (22.06 to 19.22 degrees), the Middle vs Posterior Facets Angle decreased (166.46 to 160.74 degrees), and the 5th metatarsal/cuboid height decreased (0.73 to 0.67) all significant changes (p &lt; 0.05). All of these represented a pronation movement in the mid and hindfoot, ie, valgus tilt/eversion of the calcaneus, decreased sinus tarsi opening, and reduced lateral arch height. In this small cohort, these differences were more obvious in the feet that were either slightly flat or cavus shaped (Figure 1, Table 1, and 2) than in feet with a more neutral alignment. Conclusion: The hindfoot and midfoot are more pronated in unilateral weightbearing than in bilateral weightbearing which may mask the severity of the deformity in a flexible cavovarus foot, but increase that in a flexible flatfoot. Modification of the traditionally used unilateral weightbearing position in obtaining clinical radiographs should be considered. Bilateral WBCT scans may be a better alternative, taking advantage of allowing both feet to stand in the most natural position without one foot blocking the other during the radiographic imaging.