Pedography (synonyms: electropedography; foot pressure measurement) is an electronic measurement of the feet, which is used for static and dynamic pressure distribution under the soles as well as for gait analysis. Specific complaints or pain in the area of the foot in particular are often not adequately recorded in clinical observation and conventional gait analysis, so pedography is necessary.
Indications (areas of application)
- Evaluations of orthopedic technical supplies
- Diabetic foot – detection of diabetic neuropathy (damage to the nerves in the feet caused by diabetes mellitus (diabetes)) by characterizing gait abnormalities and abnormal loads.
- Diseases of the rheumatic type – when the feet are affected.
- Foot deformities – pes transversus (splayfoot), pes equinus (pointed foot), pes planus (flat foot), pes valgus (bent foot), pes cavus (hollow foot).
- Hallux valgus – deviation of the big toe, so-called crooked toe.
- Pes equinovarus (clubfoot)
- Therapy control – e.g., after operations on the foot.
- Incorrect loads
- Metatarsal and hindfoot fractures – fractures of the metatarsus and dorsum of the foot.
- Non-specific orthopedic changes
The procedure
Pedography is a computerized procedure that can precisely record the pressure distribution of the soles of the feet in particular. The measurement systems are able to resolve the pressures temporally and spatially and thus assign the load characteristics to the respective foot regions and skeletal elements. The patient moves barefoot on a pressure distribution measurement plate, which is usually firmly embedded in the floor. This plate is equipped with up to 1,000 sensor points. The pressure distribution pattern is displayed directly on a screen, with different pressure levels assigned to different colors. The patient should move over the measurement plate in as natural a manner as possible to avoid step adjustments. An electromyography (EMG) (measurement of the electrical activity of the muscles, which provides information about the condition of the same) is often performed concomitantly. Pedography records the following measurement parameters during both standing and walking:
- Peak pressures
- Time of peak pressures
- Contact surfaces
- Local and relative pulses
- Load duration
- Pressure distribution – especially during the roll-off process.
- Medium contact pressure
As an alternative to the measuring plate, the measuring sole is also used. The patient wears this sole together with the footwear. With this method, the interaction between foot and shoe can be directly evaluated. This is particularly important in the field of orthopedic footwear in the evaluation of insoles and shoe adjustments. In addition, the system can be applied flexibly under natural, everyday conditions.
Benefits
Pedography is an established procedure and is a valuable addition, especially in the diagnosis and early detection of diabetic foot.
