Clinical and Biomechanical Outcomes of Orthotic Devices for Progressive Collapsing Foot Deformity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Publisher



H Khaliliyan HANIEH ; Ar Vosoughi Amir REZA ; M Bahramizadeh MAHMOOD ; A Zare AMIRHOSSEIN ; M Ansari MAJID ; F Ghaffari FARHAD ; A Sharafatvaziri ARASH
Source: Foot and Ankle Surgery Published:2025

Abstract

Background: Progressive collapsing foot deformity (PCFD) represents a progressive medial longitudinal arch collapse of the foot. This study reviewed the clinical and biomechanical efficacy of orthotic interventions for PCFD. Methods: A systematic search was performed on Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus, resulting in 14 studies. We used the ROBINS-I tool to evaluate the methodological quality. For the narrative synthesis, we summarized the results in a textual format, while for the meta-analysis, Standardized Mean Differences were computed from the results whenever feasible. Results: Major improvements were recorded in disability scores, pain intensity, and patient satisfaction. Orthotics decreased hindfoot eversion by 3–5° and increased forefoot plantarflexion by 6–9°. An ankle-foot orthosis with lateral extensions or an articulated design enhanced forefoot adduction and hindfoot inversion. Meta-analysis results indicate a 56.84 % improvement in the Foot Functional Index (95 % CI: 41.1–72.58) alongside a 28.53-point increase in the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle/Hindfoot Scale (95 % CI: 22.66–34.4). Conclusions: Orthotic interventions are effective treatments for PCFD, reducing pain, improving function, and correcting pathological kinematics. Level of evidence: 2 © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.