Effect of pediatric flat foot on the sagittal alignment of the pelvis and spine

Abstract

Human body segments interact harmoniously and efficiently so that homeostasis is maintained in any circumstances. Even the slightest modification of the support surface can have repercussions on postural control strategies and consequently can lead to a change in the alignment of the whole body. Flat foot is the most common condition of the lower limb. It is clinically manifested on multiple anatomical planes: flattening of the medial longitudinal arch (sagittal plane), valgus of the calcaneus (frontal plane) and abduction of the anterior foot (transverse plane). In any case, the influence of structural modifications of the flat foot on one’s posture, especially in children, still remains an insufficiently researched topic. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects that structural modifications of a flat foot have on the pelvis and spine in the sagittal plane, in children aged 7-9. Thus, the following hypothesis was formulated: the structural modifications of flat feet can modify the sagittal alignment of the pelvis and spine in children aged 7-9. The flat feet were assessed using the Foot Posture Index-6 (FPT-6) while the sagittal alignment of the pelvis and spine was measured using the GPS-400 computerised postural analysis system. Statistical analysis of the data did not indicate any significant correlations between the FPI-6 score and pelvic tilt angle or between the FPI-6 score and differences between the sensors and the lumbar and dorsal spinous processes.