The reliability of talonavicular uncoverage to indicate forefoot abduction in progressive collapsing foot deformity: a finite element analysis

Abstract Background Progressive Collapsing Foot Deformity (PCFD) presents various deformities. While medializing displacement calcaneal osteotomy (MDCO) and lateral column lengthening (LCL) are commonly employed as corrective surgeries, their impact on foot structure and functionality necessitates d...

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Main Authors: Yulin Wei, Hua Liu, Can Xu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-02-01
Series:Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s13018-025-05478-9
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author Yulin Wei
Hua Liu
Can Xu
author_facet Yulin Wei
Hua Liu
Can Xu
author_sort Yulin Wei
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background Progressive Collapsing Foot Deformity (PCFD) presents various deformities. While medializing displacement calcaneal osteotomy (MDCO) and lateral column lengthening (LCL) are commonly employed as corrective surgeries, their impact on foot structure and functionality necessitates detailed biomechanical analysis. The objective of this study is to analyze the reliability of using talonavicular uncoverage percentage (TUP) as a metric for assessing the degree of forefoot abduction. Methods Seven subject-specific flatfoot models were constructed based on previous study. Finite element analysis was conducted to simulate stress distribution and contact characteristics in PCFD. Models were categorized based on TUP values, and MDCO was performed to analyze stress changes in the medial longitudinal arch and contact characteristics of subtalar joint. Results The study revealed discrepancies in TUP measurements between plain radiographs and three-dimensional models. Comparative analysis of the seven models showed that TUP exceeding 40% showed varied stress responses. A newly introduced parameter, the distance from the center of the head of the second metatarsal to the talar body axis (DSMT), demonstrated potential as a more dependable indicator. Models with DSMT below 20 mm experienced a remarkable reduction in ligamentous stress and notable change in region of stress concentration on the subtalar joint surface after MDCO, while those above 20 mm showed no noteworthy change. Conclusion The study suggests that TUP may not be a reliable indicator for LCL surgery in PCFD, highlighting the need for improved assessment parameters. DSMT shows promise as a more dependable indicator, warranting further research to validate its efficacy. Enhanced indicators will facilitate better surgical planning in PCFD corrective procedures. Clinical relevance Accurate assessment of flatfoot deformities is crucial for developing effective treatments. DSMT , which utilizes the talar body axis as a reference, is not affected by anatomical variations in the talar head body angle, rendering it more reliable for assessment of forefoot abduc tion. Improved indicators will contribute to better surgical decision making and patient outcomes in PCFD.
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spelling doaj-art-50c479df909b4706b750c6aae7d2a4e02025-02-09T12:47:06ZengBMCJournal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research1749-799X2025-02-0120111110.1186/s13018-025-05478-9The reliability of talonavicular uncoverage to indicate forefoot abduction in progressive collapsing foot deformity: a finite element analysisYulin Wei0Hua Liu1Can Xu2Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityDepartment of Orthopedic Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityDepartment of Orthopedic Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityAbstract Background Progressive Collapsing Foot Deformity (PCFD) presents various deformities. While medializing displacement calcaneal osteotomy (MDCO) and lateral column lengthening (LCL) are commonly employed as corrective surgeries, their impact on foot structure and functionality necessitates detailed biomechanical analysis. The objective of this study is to analyze the reliability of using talonavicular uncoverage percentage (TUP) as a metric for assessing the degree of forefoot abduction. Methods Seven subject-specific flatfoot models were constructed based on previous study. Finite element analysis was conducted to simulate stress distribution and contact characteristics in PCFD. Models were categorized based on TUP values, and MDCO was performed to analyze stress changes in the medial longitudinal arch and contact characteristics of subtalar joint. Results The study revealed discrepancies in TUP measurements between plain radiographs and three-dimensional models. Comparative analysis of the seven models showed that TUP exceeding 40% showed varied stress responses. A newly introduced parameter, the distance from the center of the head of the second metatarsal to the talar body axis (DSMT), demonstrated potential as a more dependable indicator. Models with DSMT below 20 mm experienced a remarkable reduction in ligamentous stress and notable change in region of stress concentration on the subtalar joint surface after MDCO, while those above 20 mm showed no noteworthy change. Conclusion The study suggests that TUP may not be a reliable indicator for LCL surgery in PCFD, highlighting the need for improved assessment parameters. DSMT shows promise as a more dependable indicator, warranting further research to validate its efficacy. Enhanced indicators will facilitate better surgical planning in PCFD corrective procedures. Clinical relevance Accurate assessment of flatfoot deformities is crucial for developing effective treatments. DSMT , which utilizes the talar body axis as a reference, is not affected by anatomical variations in the talar head body angle, rendering it more reliable for assessment of forefoot abduc tion. Improved indicators will contribute to better surgical decision making and patient outcomes in PCFD.https://doi.org/10.1186/s13018-025-05478-9Progressive collapsing foot deformityLateral column lengtheningFinite element analysis
spellingShingle Yulin Wei
Hua Liu
Can Xu
The reliability of talonavicular uncoverage to indicate forefoot abduction in progressive collapsing foot deformity: a finite element analysis
Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research
Progressive collapsing foot deformity
Lateral column lengthening
Finite element analysis
title The reliability of talonavicular uncoverage to indicate forefoot abduction in progressive collapsing foot deformity: a finite element analysis
title_full The reliability of talonavicular uncoverage to indicate forefoot abduction in progressive collapsing foot deformity: a finite element analysis
title_fullStr The reliability of talonavicular uncoverage to indicate forefoot abduction in progressive collapsing foot deformity: a finite element analysis
title_full_unstemmed The reliability of talonavicular uncoverage to indicate forefoot abduction in progressive collapsing foot deformity: a finite element analysis
title_short The reliability of talonavicular uncoverage to indicate forefoot abduction in progressive collapsing foot deformity: a finite element analysis
title_sort reliability of talonavicular uncoverage to indicate forefoot abduction in progressive collapsing foot deformity a finite element analysis
topic Progressive collapsing foot deformity
Lateral column lengthening
Finite element analysis
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s13018-025-05478-9
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