Pedobarograph Foot Evaluations in Children with Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

Foot deformities are common in children with cerebral palsy (CP). These deformities change greatly as the child grows and develops. Clinicians need to have methods to monitor and track these changing foot configurations. In young children the bones of the feet are not well developed; therefore the use of radiographs has limited value. Sequential photographs and video imaging are very helpful as qualitative documentations of changes. With this imaging, developing qualitative measures are challenging. A major function of the foot is to provide the body contact area with the floor. Measuring the pressure pattern of the foot contact is another objective means for assessing foot function. The force plate measures the force the floor applies to the foot. This force is measured as a summated force vector with a specific point of application. However, the foot does not contact the floor physically as a point but as a flat surface. The measurement of the pressure distribution on the sole of the foot in contact with the floor is called a pedobarograph. These devices are mats that contain a whole series of pressure sensors. These systems are widely used for adult foot care especially for patients who have diabetic neuropathy and are at risk for developing skin breakdown because they lack the protective sensation. The goal of this chapter is to describe the benefits pedobarographs provide in monitoring the changing foot postures in children with CP.