Ground reaction forces on the plantar surface of the foot after talectomy in the myelomeningocele.

Results of talectomies in 19 patients with severe foot deformities secondary to myelomeningocele were evaluated with an average follow-up of 12 years, 7 months. Although an apparently plantigrade foot was usually obtained, talectomy rarely succeeded in distributing weightbearing forces uniformly over the plantar surface. Photoelastic force-plate analysis incorporating three-dimensional contour mapping clearly identified areas of high ground-foot reaction forces (GFRs) and high-pressure gradients. We suggest that such high-pressure areas predispose these patients to neurotrophic ulceration.

Analysis of ground-foot reaction forces in patients with myelomeningocele.

This paper describes a system for evaluation of ground-foot reaction forces in which multiple 1 centimeter diameter metal coated points transmit pressure to a photoelastic sheet. The pressure generates circular interference patterns, the diameters of which are linearly related to the pressure applied. The system permits the computerized construction of a three-dimensional contour map which can be compared to a pedobarograph. The qualitative/quantitative assessment system can identify areas on the plantar aspect of the foot at risk for skin breakdown. This information will permit treatment to proceed on a more rational basis than has been possible heretofore.