Foot & ankle international
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Comparative Study
The effects of adult acquired flatfoot deformity on tibiotalar joint contact characteristics.
Changes in the tibiotalar contact characteristics were investigated using eight fresh frozen cadaver ankle specimens to further develop an established model of the acquired flatfoot deformity. The deformity was simulated by sectioning the tendons and ligaments of the ankle and foot that normally support the longitudinal arch. Axial loads of 1,350 N were applied to the foot in a neutral position in both the intact specimen and flatfoot model. ⋯ This suggests a transfer of load off of the talar dome. Increased loading of the lateral facet and fibula are suspected. The lateral shift in the contact region created a local increase in mean contact pressure that may be responsible for long term degenerative changes in patients with this deformity.