Footprint and radiographic analysis of the feet

There is controversy concerning the definition and measurement of the media l longitudinal arch of the foot. Various techniques are reported to assess the medial arch height, including radiographic measurements and footprint a nalysis, which are the most commonly used methods. Some authors define foot print analysis as unreliable for measuring the arch height. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between radiologically measu red angles and the arch index obtained from footprint analyses in 38 childr en with flexible pes planus. A positive correlation of arch index was found between lateral talo-horizontal and lateral tale-first metatarsal angles ( p < 0.05). These angles have been used by some authors to describe the heig ht of the medial longitudinal arch of the foot. This study demonstrated tha t footprint analysis could be used effectively for screening studies and at individual office examinations.