Application and Advances of Ankle-Foot Orthoses in 
Adult-Onset Acquired Flatfoot (PCFD)

Hao Qi; Xin Liu; Jingyu Yang; Xingxing Zhan; Bingbing Gu

doi:10.70711/mhr.v2i8.8027

Application and Advances of Ankle-Foot Orthoses in Adult-Onset Acquired Flatfoot (PCFD)

Hao Qi, Xin Liu, Jingyu Yang, Xingxing Zhan, Bingbing Gu

Abstract

Adult-acquired flatfoot has in recent years been commonly referred to as Progressive Collapsing Foot Deformity (PCFD). This
paper provides a systematic review of the latest advances in AFO management for PCFD from 2015 to 2025, focusing on: indications and
treatment goals; orthotic types and their biomechanical mechanisms; advanced materials and manufacturing techniques; key clinical efficacy
evidence and practical applications. The conclusion indicates that individualized orthotic design combined with systematic rehabilitation
trainingparticularly intensive trainingcan significantly improve function and reduce pain.

Keywords

Foot and Ankle Orthosis; Acquired flatfoot in adults; Customized design

Full Text:

PDF

Included Database

References

[1] Henry, J. K., Shakked, R., & Ellis, S. J. (2019). Adult-Acquired Flatfoot Deformity. Foot & ankle orthopaedics, 4(1),

2473011418820847.

[2] Richie DH Jr. Biomechanics and clinical analysis of the adult acquired flatfoot. Clin Podiatr Med Surg. 2007 Oct;24(4):617-44, vii. doi:

10.1016/j.cpm.2007.07.003. PMID: 17908633.

[3] Kettelkamp, D. B., & Alexander, H. H. (1969). Spontaneous rupture of the posterior tibial tendon. The Journal of bone and joint surgery.

American volume, 51(4), 759764.

[4] Gmez-Jurado, I., Jurez-Jimnez, J. M., & Munuera-Martnez, P. V. (2021). Orthotic treatment for stage I and II posterior tibial tendon

dysfunction (flat foot): A systematic review. Clinical rehabilitation, 35(2), 159168.

[5] Ross, M. H., Smith, M. D., Mellor, R., & Vicenzino, B. (2018). Exercise for posterior tibial tendon dysfunction: a systematic review of

randomised clinical trials and clinical guidelines. BMJ open sport & exercise medicine, 4(1), e000430.

[6] Elattar, O., Smith, T., Ferguson, A., Farber, D., & Wapner, K. (2023). Republication of "Uses of Braces and Orthotics for Conservative

Management of Foot and Ankle Disorders". Foot & ankle orthopaedics, 8(3), 24730114231193419.

[7] Neville, C. G., & Houck, J. R. (2009). Choosing among 3 ankle-foot orthoses for a patient with stage II posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. The Journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy, 39(11), 816824.

[8] Henry JK, Shakked R, Ellis SJ. Adult-Acquired Flatfoot Deformity. Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics. 2019;4(1).

doi:10.1177/2473011418820847

[9] Neville, C. et al. Clinical outcomes of spiral ankle-foot orthoses in adult-acquired flatfoot deformity. Foot & Ankle International, 24(12),

10211027, 2003.

[10] Moisan, G. et al. Effects of different foot orthoses on hindfoot kinematics and lower limb kinetics in adults. Gait & Posture, 41(1), 182

187, 2015.

[11] Huang, M. et al. 3D printed ankle-foot orthoses: Design, materials, and clinical applications. Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development, 57(4), 345356, 2020.

[12] Martin, R. L., et al. Efficacy of foot orthoses and exercise in stage III posterior tibial tendon dysfunction: A randomized controlled trial.

Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 43(9), 620628, 2013.

[13] Kulig, K., et al. Progressive strengthening and stretching for stage III PTTD: Effects on pain and function. Physical Therapy, 89(6),

536546, 2009.

[14] Myerson, M. S., et al. Nonoperative treatment of posterior tibial tendon dysfunction with Arizona ankle-foot orthoses. Foot & Ankle International, 21(12), 10101017, 2000.

[15] Redmond, A. C., et al. Conservative management of adult-acquired flatfoot deformity in the UK: Clinical practice patterns among podiatrists and physiotherapists. Journal of Foot and Ankle Research, 11(1), 45, 2018.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.70711/mhr.v2i8.8027

Refbacks

There are currently no refbacks.