Pes Plans (Flatfoot)

Question 1

What is pes planus?

Answer 1

This is a condition in which there is no arch present in the foot, leading to a “flat foot”

Question 2

What is the most common cause of pes planus?

Answer 2

Tibialis posterior tendon dysfunction

Question 3

What are some less common causes of pes planus?

Answer 3

Rheumatoid arthrits
Charcot foot (Diabetes)

Question 4

Who is most at risk of developing pes planus?

Answer 4

Females

Question 5

Describe the pathophysiology of pes planus is tibialis posterior tendon dysfunction

Answer 5

Tendinitis of the tibialis posterior leads to medial arch collapse
As the disease progresses, dysfunction of the tendon leads to attritional failure of the static hind hoot stabiliser-spring ligament, the plantar fascia and plantar ligaments
Further progression leads to fixed degenerative joint changes

Question 6

What are the 2 main types of pes planus?

Answer 6

Mobile
Rigid

Question 7

What is mobile flat foot?

Answer 7

Mobile flatfoot is one in which the flat foot will only present with dorsiflexion of the great toe or may only be weight bearing only

Question 8

What is rigid flatfoot?

Answer 8

Rigid flat foot is one in which the flatness of the foot remains, regardless of load of dorsiflexion, implying an underlying bone abnormality or inflammatory disorder