Foot and Ankle

Question 1

What tarsal have ossification centres present at birth, and which do not?

Answer 1

At birth:
- metatarsals and phalanges
- calcaneus
- talus
- cuboid
Not present at birth:
- lateral cuneiform
- medial cuneiform
- intermediate cuneiform
- navicular

Question 2

Name the amount of DF available at the AJ as a child matures.

Answer 2

Newborn: 75 degrees
3 y.o: 20-25 degrees
10 y.o: 15 degrees
15 y.o: 10 degrees

Question 3

How much PF is available at the AJ in a child?

Answer 3

30-45 degrees

Question 4

What is the foot posture of a newborn?

Answer 4

STJ neutral at 22 degrees varus (praying feet)
Total STJ ROM: 45 degrees
FF varus: 12-15 degrees
Metatarsus Primus Adductus: 8-15 degrees

Question 5

What is the foot posture of a child?

Answer 5

1 y.o. will be around 10 degrees everted

Formula to check the normal foot posture for a child under 7 is 7-child’s age +/- 2

Question 6

What are unexpected findings at the ankle and foot?

Answer 6

• AJ equinus
• Toe walking
• Pes Planus
• Accessory bones (os trigonum, os tibiale externum, os intermetatarseum)
• Polydactyly
• Syndactyly
• Curly or raised digit

Question 7

What is the position of the ankle in a newborn?

Answer 7

Excessively dorsiflexed and ‘praying feet’.