Quantitative morphology of Medial Longitudinal Arch among young Indian adults

Indian database on morphology of Medial Longitudinal Arch (MLA) especially in young adults is extremely limited. So the present study was undertaken to estimate quantitative morphology of MLA and to evaluate influence of demographic variables on it, in Indian young adult population from Gujarat region.

Various dimensions of MLA were measured with custom made Bronnack device in 1500 (670-male, 830-female) healthy volunteers of age 17-21yrs in non weight bearing & weight bearing positions which were plotted on paper for additional measurements. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 23.

The median(with IQR) for Truncated Foot Length (TFL), Fore Foot Length (FFL), Hind Foot Length (HFL), Arch Height (AH), Arch Spread (AS), and Navicular Drop (ND) were found to be 17.6(16.8–18.7), 8.6(8.1–9.2), 9.0(8.5–9.7), 4.5(45.1), 0.5(0.3–0.6) & 0.6(0.4–0.9) on right side respectively and 17.6(16.8–18.7), 8.7(8–9.3), 9.0(8.5–9.7), 4.6(4–5.1), 0.5(0.3–0.6) & 0.6(0.4–0.9) on left side respectively. Truncated Foot Length (TFL) showed strong positive correlation with both height and weight of the individual. Arch Height (AH) showed moderately positive and weak positive correlation with Height and weight of the individual. The gender differences in the morphology of MLA were statistically insignificant.

The comprehensive database generated by this study on morphology of MLA will be of great significance to orthopedic surgeons, podiatrists and industries related to foot prosthetics & orthotics.