Weight bearing CT imaging could change how surgeons approach hindfoot alignment (HA) & deformity. Multiple scientific papers delve into the difficulties of measuring HA on traditional radiographs. Challenges posed by 2D imaging include superimposition by the midfoot and dependency on patient position.

CurveBeam Connect host Vinti Singh spoke with Dr. Arne Burssens, Foot and Ankle Surgeon in Belgium, and Sorin Siegler, Mechanical Engineering and Mechanic Professor, Drexel University about different methodologies to measure HA via WBCT.

Dr. Siegler has devised a proposed method that takes the tibia, talus and calcaneus into account and is inspired by clinical measures that are done in a qualitative manner by surgeons in a surgical procedure. Siegler described his methodology in detail.

Meanwhile, Dr. Burssens et al have taken the approach of utilizing methods previously described in scientific literature for radiographic evaluation of the hindfoot. However, these methods account for internal rotation, which radiographs do not. These differ from Dr. Siegler’s in that they use the anatomical structure of the tibia rather than a centroid calculated from anatomical landmarks.

Standards committees are being established to determine which measurements should be adapted as the standard. Burssens said.