Coleman Block Research Articles

Hindfoot Alignment in Flexible Cavovarus Deformity Under Orthostatic and Coleman Block Test Positions: A Weightbearing Computed Tomography Study.

Flexible cavovarus deformity is prevalent and the Coleman block test is frequently used to assess the first ray plantarflexion malpositioning in the overall deformity as well as the flexibility of the hindfoot. The objective was to assess and compare the weightbearing computed tomography (WBCT) 3-dimensional (3D) changes in clinical and bone alignment in flexible cavovarus deformity patients when performing the Coleman block test when compared to normal standing position and to controls. Twenty patients (40 feet) with flexible cavovarus deformity and 20 volunteer controls (40 feet) with normal foot alignment underwent WBCT imaging of the foot and ankle. Cavovarus patients were assessed in normal orthostatic and Coleman block test positions. Foot and ankle offset (FAO), hindfoot alignment angle (HAA), talocalcaneal angle (TCA), subtalar vertical angle (SVA) and talonavicular coverage angle (TNCA) and a CT-simulated soft tissue envelope image, WBCT clinical hindfoot alignment angle (WBCT-CHAA), were evaluated by 2 readers. Measurements were compared between cavovarus nonstressed and stressed positions and to controls. P values of .05 or less were considered significant. The intra- and interobserver intraclass correlation coefficient were good or excellent for all WBCT measurements. Cavovarus patients demonstrated significant correction of WBCT-CHAA (9.7 ± 0.4 degrees), FAO (2.6 ± 0.4%), and TNCA (8.8 ± 1.8 degrees) when performing the Coleman block test (all P values <.0001). However, WBCT-CHAA and FAO measurements were still residually deformed and significantly different from controls (P values of .001 and <.0001, respectively). TNCA values corrected to values similar to healthy controls (P = .29). No differences were observed in cavovarus patients during Coleman block test for the coronal measures: HAA, TCA, and SVA measurements. In this study, we observed improvement in the overall 3D WBCT alignment (FAO), axial plane adduction deformity (TNCA), as well as CT simulated clinical hindfoot alignment (WBCT-CHAA) in flexible cavovarus deformity patients when performing a Coleman block test. However, we did not find improvement in measures of coronal alignment of the hindfoot, indicating continued varus positioning of the hindfoot in these patients.

Hindfoot flexibility assessment of cavovarus and planovalgus feet by modified Shriners Hospitals for Children – Greenville (mSHCG) foot model

BackgroundMulti-segment foot models have been used to quantify foot kinematics during walking. However, walking kinematics is not sufficient to assess hindfoot flexibility (available range of hindfoot varus-valgus motion). The modified Shriners Hospitals for Children – Greenville (mSHCG) foot model has been used to quantify hindfoot flexibility with Coleman block test (peak hindfoot valgus) and Root test (peak hindfoot varus). Sensitivity of mSHCG foot model to detect clinically relevant difference in hindfoot flexibility measures for planovalgus (PV) and cavovarus (CV) feet has not been demonstrated. Research questionCan mSHCG foot model detect statistically significant difference in hindfoot flexibility measures between PV, CV and typically developing (TD) feet? MethodsHindfoot flexibility assessment was completed for 32 PV (37 feet), 27 CV (37 feet) and 20 TD (40 feet) individuals. Hindfoot position relative to tibia in coronal plane was measured in three postures: standing, heel raise and Coleman block test. Radiographic measures in standing position were also completed for PV and CV individuals and their correlation with hindfoot flexibility measures were evaluated. ResultsStatistically significant (p<0.001) differences were observed between three groups (TD, PV, CV) in all three hindfoot flexibility measures- (i) Hindfoot varus in standing position (ii) Peak hindfoot varus in heel raise and (iii) Peak hindfoot valgus in Coleman block test. There was relatively stronger correlation (R2=0.407–0.854) between three radiographic measures and hindfoot varus in standing position. Correlation between hindfoot range of motion towards valgus from standing to Coleman block test and the three radiographic measures was weaker (R2=0.2329–0.3042). SignificanceHindfoot flexibility assessment can detect statistically significant difference between PV, CV and TD feet and provides additional information about available dynamic range of motion of hindfoot in the coronal plane that cannot be predicted from radiographic measures. Therefore, hindfoot flexibility assessment may assist in treatment planning of foot deformities.

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome in Young Female Athletes: A Case-Control Study

Background Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is the most common cause of anterior knee pain in children and adolescents, and it is characterized by highly limiting, recurrent, frontal pain. Objectives The purpose of the study is to assess the incidence and onset of PFPS in the young female athletes and to compare it to healthy individuals. Methods Between 2017 and 2019, 51 subjects were reviewed and divided in three groups: rhythmic gymnastics athletes (RG; 21 individuals, mean age: 13.8 ± 3.6 years), basketball athletes (BG; 17 individuals, mean age: 14.2 ± 3.1 years), and control group (CG; 13 individuals, mean age: 14.5 ± 4.3 years). All patients underwent physical examination including patellar glide, tilt, grind and apprehension tests, tiptoe and jack tests, Coleman block, and navicular drop tests. The clinical and functional outcomes of the subjects were assessed using the Kujala patellofemoral score (KPS). Results In RG patients were recorded 66.7% of normal footprint (NF), 9.5% of cavus feet (FCF), and 23.8% of flatfeet (FFF); 14.8% patellar positive tests, KS = 98.6 ± 13.7. BG patients had 70.6% of NF, 11.8% FCF, and 17.6% of FFF; 23.5% patellar positive tests, KS = 98.3 ± 12.4. CG patients had 61.5% of NF, 7.7% of FCF and 30.8% of FFF; 15.4% patellar positive tests, KPS = 98,9 ± 15.3. No statistically significance was found between the three cohorts of patients. Conclusions PFPS is a common pathology; muscular imbalance and overuse could exacerbate pain and discomfort in young female athletes. Our findings show high type and level of sport activity are not related to increase frequency of clinical symptoms related to PFPS.

Efficacy of triple surgery for cavovarus foot in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of surgical treatment to correct the main deformities associated with flexible cavovarus foot due to Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. Methods: Fifteen patients (18 feet) with flexible cavovarus feet due to Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease were evaluated and underwent surgery between 2000 and 2015. We used a “triple surgery” protocol: a combination of plantar fasciotomy, valgus-inducing osteotomy of the calcaneus, and lengthening osteotomy of the first metatarsal. After a mean follow-up time of 105 (48 to 198) months, we developed a numerical scale to assess the main aspects of patient complaints: pain (3 points), function (3 points) and deformity (4 points). The scale considered the results of the visual analog pain scale, the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society Scale, and the Coleman block test, as well as clinical and radiographic evaluation of gait and cavovarus deformities. Results: According to the numerical scale, the results were considered satisfactory in 15 of the 18 feet (84%) and unsatisfactory in 3 (16%). Conclusion: In the medium term, the “triple surgery” protocol proved efficient for correcting cavovarus deformities, providing functional improvement while preserving mobility without pain complaints. In the final analysis, through the “triple surgery” protocol, early indication for arthrodesis can be avoided, postponing sacrifice of the hindfoot joints. Level of Evidence IV; Therapeutic Studies; Case Series.

Hindfoot alignment using weight-bearing computed tomography

Measurement of hindfoot malalignment and flexibility is essential for treatment decision-making in cavovarus foot deformity. Weight-bearing computed tomography (WBCT) shows greater diagnostic accuracy and allows the study of osteoarticular alignment in the physiological upright position. The most commonly used method for measurements on WBCT scans is the foot and ankle offset (FAO), which is based on the structural tripod of the foot: the calcaneus and the first and fifth metatarsal heads. During the Coleman block test, the first metatarsal head is not resting on the ground and, therefore, does not represent the physiological support of the tripod. We describe a new measurement, the forefoot/hindfoot offset (FHO), for assessing hindfoot alignment on WBCT scans. Level of Evidence V; Diagnostic Studies; Expert Opinion.

Comparison of Change in Hindfoot Alignment with Coleman Block Testing Using Clinical Exam, X-ray, and Weight-bearing CT

Category:Hindfoot; Midfoot/ForefootIntroduction/Purpose:The Coleman block test has traditionally been used to distinguish between forefoot- and hindfoot-driven deformity as well as flexibility of cavovarus deformity. However, there has been no validation of the Coleman block test using x- rays or weightbearing CT scan. The purpose of this study was to compare hindfoot alignment in cavovarus feet with and without the Coleman block using clinical exam, x-ray, and weightbearing CT scan.Methods:We retrospectively evaluated 7 feet in 7 patients. The average age was 57, there were 5 males, and the average BMI was 34.7. Average calcaneal pitch was 30 degrees. Clinical measurements were made using standing talocalcaneal angle (STCA) and resting calcaneal stance position (RCSP) with and without a Coleman block using a camera positioned at 0 degrees to the heels.Hindfoot angle (HFA) was measured off of Saltzman-view x-rays and off of weightbearing CT coronal reconstructions with and without the Coleman block. Finally, foot ankle offset (FAO) was measured with and without the Coleman block from weightbearing CT using Cubeview TALAS software. Differences before and after Coleman block were measured using paired t- testing and correlations between different hindfoot alignment measurements were made using Pearson correlation coefficients.Results::The average change in STCA before and after Coleman block placement was 2.9 degrees (7.14 varus without block, 4.28 degrees of varus with block; p<0.05). The average change in hindfoot angle before and after Coleman block using X-ray was 7.4 degrees (14 degrees varus without block, 6 degrees varus with block; p=0.08), and using CT was 3.9 degrees (14 degrees varus without block, 10 degrees varus with block; p= 0.06). There was no significant change in FAO before and after Coleman block testing. STCA was best-correlated with FAO (R= 0.7, p<0.05). CT HFA was also well-correlated with FAO (R=0.68, p<0.05).There was lesser correlation between X-ray HFA and FAO (R=0.608, p<0.05) and X-ray HFA and SCTA (p=0.63, p<0.05).Conclusion::Although Coleman block testing resulted in a decrease in varus, no patient had full re-constitution of physiologic hindfoot valgus with any measurement method. This suggests that either the forefoot was a partial (but never a complete) ‘driver’ of hindfoot varus deformity, or that there was some degree of rigidity in all patients tested. FAO did not demonstrate a statistically significant difference with and without Coleman block on this small sample size. FAO was best correlated with both clinical exam and CT HFA measurements. Clinical exam and weightbearing CT may be more reliable than radiographs in measuring cavovarus hindfoot alignment.Figure 1.

Impact of Coleman Block Test on Adult Hindfoot Alignment Assessed by Clinical Examination, Radiography, and Weight-Bearing Computed Tomography.

Background:Cavovarus foot constitutes a complex 3-dimensional deformity. The Coleman block test has traditionally been used to distinguish between forefoot- and hindfoot-driven deformity. However, there has been no objective evaluation of the Coleman block test using radiographs or weightbearing computed tomography (WBCT). The purpose of this study was to compare hindfoot alignment in adult cavovarus feet with and without the Coleman block using clinical examination, radiography, and WBCT.Methods:Six feet in 6 patients with a clinical diagnosis of cavovarus foot deformity were prospectively enrolled. All feet underwent clinical photography with the camera positioned at 0 degrees to the heel, hindfoot alignment view radiography with the beam positioned 20 degrees off the ground, and WBCT, both with and without the Coleman block in place. Clinical photos were characterized using the standing talocalcaneal angle (STCA), radiographs were characterized using the hindfoot alignment angle (HAA), and WBCTs were characterized using manual and automated hindfoot alignment angle (HAA) and foot and ankle offset (FAO). Using paired analyses, measurements taken with the Coleman block in place were compared to those taken without the Coleman block. Finally, the different methods of measuring hindfoot alignment were tested for correlation with each other. Mean age was 56 years (range 38-69).Results:On clinical photography, the STCA decreased by 3.8 degrees with addition of the block (from 10.0±6.6 degrees varus without block to 6.2±7.1 degrees varus with block; P = .001). On radiograph, HAA decreased by 9.0 degrees with addition of the block (from 16.8±8.4 degrees varus without block to 7.5±6.3 degrees varus with block; P = .07). On WBCT, hindfoot alignment angle changed an average of 3.2 degrees (33.4 degrees varus without block, 30.2 degrees varus with block; P = .008). On WBCT, FAO decreased by 1.4% (from 11.3% varus without block to 10.1% varus with block; P = .003). Clinical examination and automated WBCT measurements were strongly correlated with each other.Conclusion:Clinical examination, radiograph, and WBCT demonstrated improvements in hindfoot varus using the Coleman block test in adults, but no patient demonstrated complete resolution of deformity regardless of the measurement modality. Clinical examination correlated strongly with automated WBCT measurements.Level of Evidence:Level IV, retrospective case review.

Soft tissue release combined with joint-sparing osteotomy for treatment of cavovarus foot deformity in older children: Analysis of 21 cases.

BACKGROUNDCavovarus foot is a common form of foot deformity in children, which is clinically characterized by an abnormal increase of the longitudinal arch of the foot, and it can be simultaneously complicated with forefoot pronation and varus, rearfoot varus, Achilles tendon contracture, or cock-up toe deformity. Muscle force imbalance is the primary cause of such deformity. Many diseases can lead to muscle force imbalance, such as tethered cord syndrome, cerebral palsy, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, and trauma. At present, many surgical treatments are available for cavovarus foot. For older children, priority should be given to midfoot osteotomy and fusion. Since complications such as abnormal foot length, foot stiffness, and abnormal gait tend to develop postoperatively, it is important to preserve the joints and correct the deformity as much as possible. Adequate soft tissue release and muscle balance are the keys to correcting the deformity and avoiding its postoperative recurrence.AIMTo assess the efficacy of soft tissue release combined with joint-sparing osteotomy in the treatment of cavovarus foot deformity in older children.METHODSThe clinical data of 21 older children with cavovarus foot deformity (28 feet) who were treated surgically at the Ninth Department of Orthopedics of Jizhong Energy Xingtai Mining Group General Hospital from November 2014 to July 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients ranged in age from 10 to 14 years old, with an average age of 12.46 ± 1.20 years. Their main clinical manifestations were deformity, pain, and gait abnormality. The patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine, electromyographic examination, weight-bearing anteroposterior and lateral X-rays of the feet, and the Coleman block test. Surgical procedures including metatarsal fascia release, Achilles tendon or medial gastrocnemius lengthening, "V"-shaped osteotomy on the dorsal side of the metatarsal base, opening medial cuneiform wedge osteotomy, closing cuboid osteotomy, anterior transfer of the posterior tibial tendon, peroneus longus-to-brevis transfer, and calcaneal sliding osteotomy to correct hindfoot varus deformity were performed. After surgery, long leg plaster casts were applied, the plaster casts were removed 6 wk later, Kirschner wires were removed, and functional exercise was initiated. The patients began weight-bearing walk 3 mo after surgery. Therapeutic effects were evaluated using the Wicart grading system, and Meary’s angles and Hibbs’ angles were measured based on X-ray images obtained preoperatively and at last follow-up to assess their changes.RESULTSThe patients were followed for 6 to 32 mo, with an average follow-up period of 17.68 ± 6.290 mo. Bone healing at the osteotomy site was achieved at 3 mo in all cases. According to the Wicart grading system, very good results were achieved in 18 feet, good in 7, and fair in 3, with a very good/good rate of 89.3%. At last follow-up, mean Meary’s angle was 6.36° ± 1.810°, and mean Hibbs’ angle was 160.21° ± 4.167°, both of which were significantly improved compared with preoperative values (24.11° ± 2.948° and 135.86° ± 5.345°, respectively; P < 0.001 for both). No complications such as infection, skin necrosis, or bone nonunion occurred.CONCLUSIONSoft tissue release combined with joint-sparing osteotomy has appreciated efficacy in the treatment of cavovarus foot deformity in older children.

Quantitative coronal plane motion of hindfoot during clinical flexibility assessments

BackgroundCommon pediatric pathologic foot presentations include cavovarus and planovalgus feet. Flexibility of the hindfoot is established for these two clinical presentations through the Coleman block (eversion) and tiptoe tests (inversion). Research questionThe purposes of this study are to establish typical quantitative eversion and inversion motion of the hindfoot during Coleman block and tiptoe tests using 3-D motion capture and demonstrate feasibility of using this data to assist in making treatment decisions. MethodsSegmented foot model kinematics were collected for this prospective descriptive study with a focus on coronal plane inversion and eversion of the hindfoot relative to the tibia. Typical standing hindfoot position, with the feet plantigrade, was determined prior to performing the tiptoe test. Maximum hindfoot inversion was extracted from the tiptoe test. Maximum hindfoot eversion was extracted from the Coleman block tests. Results32 typically developing subjects (age range 5–21 years) completed this study. Hindfoot motion data showed a mean standing foot position of 1 ° eversion, 10 degrees inversion during tiptoe test and 6 degrees eversion during the Coleman block test. SignificanceEstablishing control values for hindfoot flexibility can assist with making clinical treatment decisions for disorders of the foot. At our center, clients who present to the Motion Analysis Center with foot concerns receive segmented foot model quantitative assessment of hindfoot flexibility with Coleman block and tiptoe tests as appropriate.

Use of the reverse Coleman block test for early diagnosis of the medial foot column insufficiency

Use of the reverse Coleman block test for early diagnosis of the medial foot column insufficiency

Subtle cavus foot: diagnosis and management.

The subtle cavovarus foot (SCF) is a mild malalignment caused by either primary hindfoot varus or a plantarflexed first ray, resulting in a typical constellation of symptoms because of altered foot mechanics. Key clinical signs are a peek-a-boo heel and a positive Coleman block test. The cavovarus position places lateral ankle soft-tissue structures, such as the anterior talofibular ligament and the peroneal tendons, on stretch during normal gait. This can lead to common conditions such as lateral ankle instability, peroneal tendon tears, and stress fractures of the lateral metatarsals and cuboid. The gait cycle is altered because a greater proportion of time is spent with the transverse tarsal joints locked due to the overall varus foot position. In contradistinction to physiologic valgus at heel strike, which maintains the transverse tarsal joints unlocked and affords approximately 50% force dissipation, the increased rigidity of the foot causes a maldistribution of forces that leads to accelerated wear of the midfoot joints and increased stresses along the plantar fascia and the Achilles tendon insertion. Successful nonsurgical management requires correction of the biomechanical anomaly; surgical management of a subtle cavovarus foot typically is part of a comprehensive plan for correcting the symptoms and the malalignment.

Changes in Dynamic Pedobarography after Extensive Plantarmedial Release for Paralytic Pes Cavovarus

PurposePlantarmedial release and first ray extension osteotomy are often combined to treat paralytic cavovarus foot deformity. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of additional first ray extension osteotomy in terms of dynamic pedobarography.Materials and MethodsWe reviewed findings of pre- and postoperative plain radiography and dynamic pedobarography for 25 patients in whom the flexibility of the hindfoot was confirmed by the Coleman block test. The results of treatment by extensive plantar medial release with first ray osteotomy (group I) were compared with the results of treatment by extensive plantar medial release alone (group II).ResultsPlain radiographs obtained pre- and postoperatively showed no statistically significant improvement in each group. Only in group I, peak forces at the 1st metatarsal head, 2nd metatarsal head and medial calcaneus were increased after operation.ConclusionIn paralytic hindfoot flexible cavovarus, extensive plantarmedial release with first ray osteotomy improve foot pressure distribution more than extensive plantarmedial release alone.

Isolated inferior peroneal retinculum tear in professional soccer players

IntroductionPeroneal tendon dislocations are rare injuries that can easily be misdiagnosed. Up to date literature mostly describes proximal peroneal tendon dislocations due to superior peroneal retinaculum (SPR) tear. In this article, we present the assessment, diagnostic algorithm and a new therapeutic option for the distal dislocation of the long peroneal tendon due to isolated inferior peroneal retinaculum (IPR) tear. Patients and MethodsBetween 2001 and 2011 three patients with distal peroneal tendon dislocation were operated. All of them were competitive athletes in the national soccer league. They presented with an ankle sprain and prolonged problems on the lateral side of the foot with no improvement after conservative therapy measures. Coleman block test was performed; ultrasound and MRI showed a tendon dislocation under the IPR. The patients underwent surgical repair that consisted of peroneal tubercle excision, a new lateral calcanear groove formation for both peroneal tendons and IPR plasty. ResultsAt the two year follow up the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Score showed a significant increase. The decrease of painful stimuli assessed by a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was significant as well. At an average of 12 weeks after the surgery, the patients returned to their level of sport activity before injury and didn't report similar problems later. ConclusionDescription of distal peroneal tendon dislocations is limited in the literature. This topic should be considered in differential diagnostics of an acute and chronic ankle sprain which leads to chronic ankle pain and instability. The authors recommend surgical treatment as a method of choice especially in professional athletes.

Flexible cavovarus feet in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease treated with first ray proximal dorsiflexion osteotomy combined with soft tissue surgery: A short-term to mid-term outcome study

The purpose of this paper was to retrospectively evaluate the short-term to mid-term results of combined first ray proximal dorsiflexion osteotomy and soft tissue surgery in treatment of pes cavovarus with a fixed plantar flexed first ray and a passively correctable tarsus due to Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. Between January 1995 and July 2005, thirty-three patients with pes cavovarus deformity due to Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease were included. All patients had in common that prior to surgery the hindfoot was passively still adequate correctable at the talonavicular joint. The Coleman block test was performed to establish with certainty that hindfoot varus was a secondary deformity. Fourteen patients were male (21 feet) and nineteen were female (31 feet). Mean age at surgery was 28.1 years (range 13-59 years). Mean follow-up time was 56.9 months (range 13-153 months). Evaluation consisted of physical examination of all patients with assessment of early and late complications. The validated Foot Function Index (FFI) was used to measure pain and impairment. Patients' satisfaction was assessed by a Quality of Care Through the Patients' Eyes (QUOTE) questionnaire. Surgical correction of cavovarus foot deformity consisted of dorsiflexion osteotomy at the base of the first metatarsal combined with tendon transfers. Secondary calcaneal osteotomy was performed in case of persistent varus of the calcaneus. No major complications were seen. Recurrence of cavovarus deformity in two feet resulted in triple arthrodesis 37 and 64 months postoperatively. The FFI 5-point score for pain improved from a mean 29.3% to a mean 14.8% (p=0.005). The score for disability improved from a mean 37.8% to a mean 23.5% (p<0.001). Patients' satisfaction was assessed by the QUOTE questionnaire. Seventy percent of the patients could walk barefoot after the operation and 77% of the patients had less pain after surgery. Pressure callosities diminished in 81%. Foot function was considered better after surgery by 84%. Ninety percent was satisfied with the correction of the deformity. First ray dorsiflexion osteotomy combined with tendon transfers is a good and consistent solution to realign the foot and provides short-term to mid-term satisfactory results in 90% of patients with a rigid forefoot cavus deformity due to plantar flexion of the first ray and with a still passively reducible tarsus.

Clinical Tip: The Reverse Coleman Block Test Radiograph

Clinical Tip: The Reverse Coleman Block Test Radiograph

Idiopathic Equinocavovarus Foot Deformity in an 8-year-old Girl

Idiopathic Equinocavovarus Foot Deformity in an 8-year-old Girl

A Simpler Device for Measuring the Mobility of the First Ray of the Foot

Since some devices can be cumbersome to use, we evaluated the validity and reliability of a specially designed device for easily checking the mobility of the first ray of the foot. To analyze the validity of the device, the dorsal mobility of the first ray of the foot was measured with the modified Coleman block test developed by Fritz et al., the Klaue device, and the custom device. Two-tailed Student's paired t-test and Pearson correlation were used to compare the values of the two tests. For evaluation of inter- and intra observer reliability of the EMC device, 3 independent observers measured the dorsal mobility of the first ray of the foot twice. The results were analyzed with two-tailed Student's paired t-test and ANOVA to evaluate intraobserver and interobserver reliability, respectively. For both the first and second examinations of reliability, the difference between the two values was significant (p < 0.05) for the Coleman block test but not significant (p = 0.118) in comparison with the Klaue device. The measurements from both examinations showed good correlation (Pearson correlation coefficient: comparison with the Coleman block test = 0.84 (p < 0.05), with the Klaue device = 0.92 (p < 0.05)). The paired t-test for intraobserver validity showed no statistically significant difference among observers (p = 0.52, 0.58, 0.96, Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.76, 0.79, 0.80), and ANOVA testing for interobserver reliability showed no significant difference either (p = 0.96, Pearson correlation coefficients = 0.83, 0.84, and 0.86, respectively). This study demonstrated that the EMC device is both reliable and valid for measuring the mobility of the first ray of the foot.

The Validity and Reliability of the EMC Device; For the Checking of the Mobility of the First Ray of the Foot

Purpose: To evaluate the validity and intra-rater, inter-rater reliability of the EMC device used to check the mobility of the first ray of the foot. Materials and Methods: Sixty-nine cases (43 patients) of mild to severe hallux valgus feet were enrolled in this study. For an analysis of the validity of the EMC device, the dorsal mobility of the first ray of the foot was measured using the modified Coleman b lock test and EMC device. The intra- and inter-rater reliability of EMC device was evaluated by measuring the dorsal mobility of the first ray of the foot twice with three independent raters blinded to other's results. The results were analyzed for the intra-rater reliability and for inter-rater reliability. Results: The mean value of the dorsal mobility of the first ray of the foot by the EMC device and modified Coleman block test was 8.3 mm (range; 4.3-12.3 mm) and 7.4 mm (range; 3.4-10.3 mm), respectively. There was a significant difference between the EMC device and modified Coleman block test (p<0.05). However, both the measured data, showed a good correlation (Pearson cor- relation coefficient=0.84). The paired t-test for intra-rater reliability and ANOVA testing for inter-rater reliability showed no statistically significant difference. Conclusion: The EMC device is reliable and valid for measuring the mobilit y of the first ray of the foot.

Adult Cavovarus Foot

Cavovarus foot deformity, which often results from an imbalance of muscle forces, is commonly caused by hereditary motor sensory neuropathies. Other causes are cerebral palsy, cerebral injury (stroke), anterior horn cell disease (spinal root injury), talar neck injury, and residual clubfoot. In cavovarus foot deformity, the relatively strong peroneus longus and tibialis posterior muscles cause a hindfoot varus and forefoot valgus (pronated) position. Hindfoot varus causes overload of the lateral border of the foot, resulting in ankle instability, peroneal tendinitis, and stress fracture. Degenerative arthritic changes can develop in overloaded joints. Gait examination allows appropriate planning of tendon transfers to correct stance and swing-phase deficits. Inspection of the forefoot and hindfoot positions determines the need for soft-tissue release and osteotomy. The Coleman block test is invaluable for assessing the cause of hindfoot varus. Prolonged use of orthoses or supportive footwear can result in muscle imbalance, causing increasing deformity and irreversible damage to tendons and joints. Rebalancing tendons is an early priority to prevent unsalvageable deterioration of the foot. Muscle imbalance can be corrected by tendon transfer, corrective osteotomy, and fusion. Fixed bony deformity can be addressed by fusion and osteotomy.

長ひ骨筋けん短縮術を併用したＣｈａｒｃｏｔ‐Ｍａｒｉｅ‐Ｔｏｏｔｈ病の１症例

We experienced a case of transferring the peroneus longus tendon to the peroneus brevis with soft-tissue release in Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease. The patient was an 8-year-old girl who had bilateral cavovarus foot deformity with predominantly anterior cavus. Hindfoot varus was flexible in the Coleman block test. So we performed surgery by soft-tissue procedures alone which not only may restore more normal biomechanics and posture of foot, but prevent or delay the need for extensive bony procedures. It was performed on the right foot, at first and after one month, it was combined with peroneus longus transfer to sufficiently restore ankle eversion strength in the left foot. Three months after the operation, the left foot showed further correction, and the patient was more satisfied. The transfer of the peroneus longus tendon is useful for correcting cavovarus deformity in CMT.