A Comparative Study of Ankle and Foot Characteristics in Knee Osteoarthritis Patients and Normals Jani Avani1, Dabholkar Ajit2, Yardi Sujata3 1MPT, Dr. D. Y. Patil University, Nerul, Navi Mumbai. 2Asst. Professor, Dr. D. Y. Patil University, Nerul, Navi Mumbai. 3Professor & Director, Dr. D. Y. Patil University, Nerul, Navi Mumbai. Online published on 15 January, 2013. Abstract Aim To compare ankle and foot characteristics of knee osteoarthritis patients with age and gender matched normal. Method Study Design Cross Sectional Study Study Setting Physiotherapy OPD, Pad. Dr. D. Y. Patil Hospital and Research Centre. Participants In total, 60 participants: Outcome Measures Foot posture index (FPI), navicular drop, calcaneal eversion angle, range of motion (ROM) of ankle dorsiflexion and first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint extension. Results Extremely significant differences in FPI scores, navicular drop, calcaneal eversion angle and ROM of ankle dorsiflexion and 1st MTP extension were seen between both the groups. Patients in group 1 had a pronated foot as compared to group 2 with mean FPI score of 7.03. Mean navicular drop in group 1 was 8.36mm and mean calcaneal angle was 15.53 degrees. Decreased ROM of ankle dorsiflexion and 1st MTP extension were observed in group 1. Conclusion Patients with medial knee osteoarthritis have a pronated foot posture with greater navicular drop and calcaneal eversion angle. They also have a decreased ankle dorsiflexion and great toe extension as compared to normals. Thus foot assessment should be considered as an important component in the evaluation of patients with severe knee osteoarthritis. This can have implications for use of orthotics in the management of knee osteoarthritis. Top Keywords Medial compartment knee osteoarthritis, Foot posture index, navicular drop, calcaneal eversion angle, ankle dorsiflexion, first MTP extension. Top |