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. 2013 Sep;37(9):1871-3.
doi: 10.1007/s00264-013-2020-4. Epub 2013 Jul 24.

The pictogram of the pes planus from the first century AD

Mario Wokaunn  1 , Stella Fatović- Ferenčić, Michele Mikolaučić
Affiliations

The pictogram of the pes planus from the first century AD

Mario Wokaunn et al. Int Orthop. 2013 Sep.

Abstract

Purpose: This study presents a pictogram engraved into the Marble Road of the ancient town of Ephesus, with a special emphasis on one part of it which represents a flat foot. Although the flat foot is a widespread and common disturbance in all time periods, we were motivated by a lack of its representation within iconographical, historical or other sources.

Method: Aiming to confirm the diagnosis objectively we applied the modern diagnostic methodology, arch index (AI). The result was 0.33, which is a mathematical proof that the Ephesus foot is definitely flat.

Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this picture from the first century AD is among the oldest representations of a flat foot in history.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
The marble road
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
The pictogram from Ephesus
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
The pictogram with measures (in colour)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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    1. Cavanagh PR, Rodgers MM. The arch index: a useful measure from footprints. J Biomech. 1987;20:547–551. doi: 10.1016/0021-9290(87)90255-7. - DOI - PubMed

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