Adolescent flatfoot corrective surgery
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Development of a customised novel model for surgical planning in adolescent flatfoot corrective surgery
IRAS ID
284023
Contact name
Basil Budair
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cranfield University
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
SA021N, Budget Code
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 10 months, 2 days
Research summary
Virtual modelling are used for joint replacements such as the knee and shoulder using computed tomography (CT) images to construct models for surgical planning and robotic surgery. However, to date, there are no such tools used in foot surgery where operating on complex bone and soft tissue structures of the foot and ankle would be of great benefit, particularly with adolescent patients where conditions such as pathological flatfoot require effective planning and high surgical precision. Flat feet are common in children under 10 years, with 10% being significantly symptomatic, leading to problems with gait and pain. Surgery becomes a viable option to relieve pain, prevent musculoskeletal impairment developing and disability in adulthood such as joint arthritis. The aim is to develop a parametric model that could be used as a surgical planning tool to predict biomechanical outcomes to surgical treatment. The study would be conducted at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, where the patients are recruited. An ultrasound metatarsal and calcaneal reading, a patient-reported outcome questionnaire (PROMS), a standing CT scan and a pressure map of the flat foot will be carried out before and after surgery. These datasets would be taken in clinic and during routine follow-ups and they would be used to develop patient-specific computational models of the flatfoot, which would be analysed using finite element analysis to understand the magnitude and direction of the pressures in the joints. Implementing the PROMS with these analyses, a tool can be developed that could aid surgical planning more effectively and reduce the risk of under or over correction, having better patient treatment. This tool in future could also be used in treating other foot and ankle conditions such as the decision between ankle fusion or ankle replacement that would offer the best outcomes for the patient.
REC name
West Midlands - Edgbaston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/WM/0030
Date of REC Opinion
8 Apr 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion