Supporting function of the feet in children with severe forms of idiopathic scoliosis before and after surgical treatment

Background Idiopathic scoliosis in children can cause noticeable changes in the musculoskeletal system including the feet and the relationship between spinal deformity and impaired biomechanics of the feet is important to learn in the case. The purpose was to explore plantographic characteristics of feet in children with severe idiopathic scoliosis before and after surgical correction of the curve using transpedicular spinal systems. Material and methods Foot support indices were measured in 18 children aged 14-17 years with grades III and IV idiopathic scoliosis Lenke types I, III, V and VI. The results were compared with plantographic findings of 18 healthy children. Results The medial index m was within normal limits with a double-support load in patients with idiopathic scoliosis before spinal surgery. The rest of the indices were significantly reduced irrespective of the extent of the foot load. Double-support load tests showed a pathologically strong correlation between the medial and median support indices m ~ s. The spring function of the foot arches was intact. The frontal balance of the spine correlated with the foot support indices. Patients developed no foot rigidity at 9-10 days of surgery and showed an increased asymmetry in the arches of the contralateral feet and an abnormal increase in the relationship between the foot support indices m, s and t with no correlation between the frontal balance of the spine and the plantographic characteristics. Conclusion Children with severe idiopathic scoliosis were shown to develop impaired biomechanics of the feet with decreased contact area between the feet and the support surface, and a pathological increase in the functional relationship of the arches. Impaired biomechanics of the feet appeared to aggravate at a short term following correction of spinal deformity.