Correlation between Flexible Flat Foot and Lumbar Lordotic Angle

Research Abstract

Background: Flat foot may cause malalignment of the lower extremity. frequently leading to structural and functional deficits both in standing and walking. previous studies were conducted to investigate the effect of changes on medial longitudinal arch on lumbar lordotic curve . Objective: To investigate the effect of flexible flatfoot on lumbar lordotic curve. Material and Methods: Correlation study was conducted at the Faculty of Physical Therapy, Modern University for technology and information, Cairo, Egypt, subjects: 40 participants (26 male, 14 female) with mean age, weight, height, and BMI values were 19.6±1.08 years, 72.35±13.28 kg, 1.72±0.087 m, and 24.35± 3.56 kg/m2 respectively. for each subject was assessed by lateral weight- bearing radiography (x-ray) for foot and lumbar. Assessments were performed to measure lateral talocalcaneal angle, talar first metatarsal angle (Meary's angle), Calcaneal inclination (Calcaneal pitch) angle, Calcaneal first metatarsal, Lumbar lordotic angle “LLA” and Lumbosacral angle (Fergusons angle). Measurement of these angles was accomplished by using Surgimap Spine software. Results: There was a positive weak significant correlation between lumbar lordotic angle and lateral talocalcaneal angle (p= 0.007) and between lumbar lordotic angle and talar first metatarsal angle (Meary's angle) (p= 0.007), while, there were no significant correlation between lumbar lordotic angle and calcaneal-first metatarsal angle (p= 0.098) lumbar lordotic angle and calcaneal inclination angle (p= 0.548). Also, there were no significant correlation between Fergusons angle and lateral talocalcaneal, talo first metatarsal "Meary’s angle" and calcaneal-first metatarsal angle and calcaneal inclination angle (p= 0.313) (p= 0.968). (p= 0.612). ( p= 0.846) respectively. Female subjects showed significant correlation between lateral talocalcaneal, talo first metatarsal " Meary’s" angle", and calcaneal inclination angles and lumber lordotic angle and Ferguson angle. while, Male subjects showed significant correlation between Lumbar lordotic angle and lateral talocalcaneal, calcaneal-first metatarsal, talo first metatarsal “Meary’s angle", and no significant between Lumbar lordotic angle and calcaneal inclination angles . and significant correlation between Ferguson and calcaneal-first metatarsal angle, while no significant correlation between Ferguson angle and lateral talocalcaneal, talo first metatarsal " Meary’s" angle", and calcaneal inclination angles. Conclusion: Subjects with flexible flatfoot demonstrated increased lumbar lordotic curveature, what means changes in foot medial longitudinal arch may affect the proximal segments (spinal curvature) which may predispose to postural faults.

Research Keywords

Flatfoot, Foot deformities, lateral talocalcaneal angle, talar first metatarsal angle "Meary’s angle" , Calcaneal inclination , Calcaneal first metatarsal, Lumbar lordotic angle and Lumbosacral angle (Fergusons angle).