Ultrasound assessment of talar cartilage thickness measurements in asymptomatic subjects with pes planus and its relationship with anthropometric parameters.

Introduction: Individuals with pes planus may have alterations in talar cartilage thickness due to changes in lower extremity alignment. The aim of this study was to measure the talar cartilage thickness of subjects with pes planus and compare the results with those of healthy controls. Another aim of the present study was to evaluate its relationship with anthropometric foot parameters.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 48 individuals (16 males and 32 females) in the pes planus group and 48 individuals in the healthy control group (14 males and 34 females) based on the Navicular Drop (ND) test and the Foot Posture Index (FPI). Talar cartilage thickness (TCT) was measured with ultrasound. Anthropometric foot parameters of the individuals, such as foot length and foot width, were evaluated using a podoscope.

Results: TCT was higher in participants with pes planus compared to the control group (dominant side, p = 0.006; non-dominant side, p = 0.002). Foot width and length were similar in both groups for the dominant and non-dominant feet (p > 0.05). TCT on the dominant foot was positively correlated with the FPI score (r = 0.205, p = 0.045), ND score (r = 0.297, p = 0.003), foot width (r = 0.244, p = 0.017) and foot length (r = 0.253, p = 0.013). On the other hand, TCT on the non-dominant side was positively correlated with the FPI score (r = 0.235, p = 0.021), ND score (r = 0.363, p < 0.001), foot width (r = 0.270, p = 0.008) and length (r = 0.303, p = 0.003).

Conclusion: The talar cartilage of patients with pes planus seems to be thicker, and this is generally related to body weight, body mass index, foot anthropometrics, and posture characteristics.

Level of evidence: Level III, diagnostic comparative study.