Types of Pes Cavus
The term pes cavus encompasses a broad spectrum of foot deformities. Three main types of pes cavus are regularly described in the literature: pes cavovarus, pes calcaneocavus and ‘pure’ pes cavus. The three types of pes cavus can be distinguished by their aetiology, clinical signs and radiological appearance.
Pes cavovarus, the most common type of pes cavus, is seen primarily in neuromuscular disorders such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, and in cases of unknown aetiology, conventionally termed as ‘idiopathic’. Pes cavovarus presents with the calcaneus in varus, the first metatarsal plantarflexed and a claw-toe deformity. Radiological analysis of pes cavus in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease shows the forefoot is typically plantarflexed in relation to the rearfoot.
In the pes calcaneocavus foot, which is seen primarily following paralysis of the triceps surae due to poliomyelitis, the calcaneus is dorsiflexed and the forefoot is plantarflexed. Radiological analysis of pes calcaneocavus reveals a large talo-calcaneal angle.
In ‘pure’ pes cavus the calcaneus is neither dorsiflexed or in varus, and is highly-arched due to a plantarflexed position of the forefoot on the rearfoot.
A combination of any or all of these elements can also be seen in a ‘combined’ type of pes cavus that may be further categorized as flexible or rigid.
Despite various presentations and descriptions of pes cavus, all are characterised by an abnormally high medial longitudinal arch, gait disturbances and resultant foot pathology.
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