A method of dynamic foot-pressure measurement for the evaluation of pediatric orthopaedic foot deformities

Dynamic foot-pressure measurements are time-sensitive measurements of the p ressures under the foot while walking. Historically, many methods are used to measure these pressures; however, current medical literature does not co ntain a method suitable for the evaluation of pediatric orthopaedic foot de formities. A method for the measurement of dynamic foot pressure for the tr eatment of pediatric orthopaedic foot deformities was defined in this study . We established the dy namic foot-pressure pattern of a normal population using this method. Dynamic foot-pressure measurements were collected from 5 4 normal subjects (108 feet). These measurements were divided into the foll owing five segments: the heel, the lateral midfoot, the medial midfoot, the lateral forefoot, and the medial forefoot. Standard tables and graphs were created describing the normal progression of pressure across each segment of the foot while walking. These standard tables and graphs can be used as a reference with which clinical measurements can be compared. This method m ay be useful as a diagnostic measure of foot deformities and may increase t he clinician's ability to measure changes in foot deformity resulting from treatment intervention.