Body Mass Index in Patients with Early Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction in Korea / 대한정형외과학회잡지

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD) is known as the most common cause of adult acquired flatfoot syndrome and is common in middle-aged obese women. The purpose of this study was to describe the relationship between BMI (body mass index) and early stage PTTD in Korea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between May 2005 and June 2006 we evaluated 42 patients (58 feet) who were diagnosed and treated for early stage PTTD. We analyzed demographic data such as sex, age, BMI, physical findings, radiologic findings and clinical results. RESULTS: All 42 patients were women; their mean age was 52.6 years. Of the 42, 77% were middle aged (40-69). Increased BMI was detected in 75% of the 42 patients. There was no statistical significance in age-matched comparisons of BMI in Korea (p>0.05), or in the correlation between BMI and progression (p=0.293). Non-obese patients had superior clinical results (p=0.017). CONCLUSION: Overweight and obesity are commonly seen in patients with early stage PTTD in Korea but there do not appear to be any significant correlation between obesity and early stage PTTD and also no significant correlation between obesity and progression to later stages.