Risk factors that may adversely modify the natural history of the pediatric pronated foot

Abstract

Flatfoot is one of the most common conditions seen in pediatric podiatry practice. There is no universally accepted definition for flatfoot. Flatfoot is a term used to describe a recognizable clinical deformity created by malalignment at several adjacent joints. Clinically, a flatfoot is one that has a low or absent longitudinal arch. Determining flexibility (physiologic) or rigidity (pathologic) is the first step in management. A flexible flat foot will have an arch that is present in open kinetic chain (off weight-bearing) and lost in closed kinetic chain (weight-bearing). A rigid flatfoot has loss of the longitudinal arch height in open and closed kinetic chain. According to Mosca, "The anatomic characteristics of a flatfoot are excessive eversion of the subtalar complex during weight-bearing with plantarflexion of the talus, plantarflexion of the calcaneus in relation to the tibia, a dorsiflexed and abducted navicular and a supinated forefoot." Normally developing infants have a flexible flatfoot and gradually develop a normal arch during the first decade of life. When evaluating an infant for a pronated condition, the examiner must also consider other risk factors that may affect the foot in its overall development. These contributing factors will play a role in the development of a treatment plan. The risk factors include ligamentous laxity, obesity, rotational deformities, tibial influence, pathological tibia varum, equinus, presence of an os tibiale externum, and tarsal coalitions. The authors realize other less significant factors exist but are not as detrimental to the foot as the primary ones discussed in depth. The primary risk factors that affect the pronated foot have been outlined. The clinician should always examine for these conditions when presented with a child exhibiting pronatory changes. A thorough explanation to the parents as to the consequential effects of these risk factors and their effects on the pediatric pronated foot is paramount to providing an acceptable comprehensive treatment program. Children often are noncompliant with such treatments as stretching and orthotic maintenance. The support of the parents is crucial to maintaining an effective treatment program continued at home.