Ground Reaction Force Calcaneal Offset: A new measurement of hindfoot alignment

BackgroundThe tibio-calcaneal angle (TCA) does not measure individual forefoot contributions to the overall foot balance. Using standard radiographs we calculated the ideal hindfoot alignment based on ground reaction force (GRF), independently from the tibial axis.MethodsThirty-six patients (40 ft.) were included. Mean age was 56. Weight bearing radiographs were taken. Calcaneal offsets were measured using tibio-calcaneal angles and GRF algorithms. Measurements were compared using the Bland–Altman method.FindingsBoth methods agreed (p > 0.05) but individual discrepancies were found. Mean measured offsets were −11.5 mm (SD: 10.2) using TCA and −8 mm (SD: 9.3) using GRF. Mean bias between the methods was −0.88 mm.InterpretationThe GRF algorithm successfully measured hindfoot alignment. The absence of a previous gold standard and radiographic variability are a limit. The TCA underestimated calcaneal offset. Discrepancies showed that forefoot position data provided increased accuracy. This could be of particular relevance for surgical planning.