- See:
cavovarus deformity;
- Discussion:
- coleman block test evaluates hindfoot flexibility and pronation of forefoot;
- initial deformity is in the forefoot followed by subsequent changes in the hindfoot;
- test is performed by placing the patient's foot on wood block, 2.5 to 4 cm thick, with the heel and lateral border of foot on the block and bearing full weight
while the first, second, & 3rd metatarsals are allowed to hang freely into plantar flexion and pronation;
- Interpretation:
- test is based on premise that there is fixed flexion of 1st metatarsal;
- this test negates effect that forefoot (first metatarsal in plantar flexion) may have on the hindfoot in stance;
- if heel varus corrects while the patient is standing on the block, hindfoot is considered flexible;
- if subtalar joint is supple & correct w/ block test, then surgical procedures may be directed to correcting forefoot pronation, which is usually due to
plantar flexion of 1st metatarsal;
- if hindfoot is rigid, then surgical correction of both forefoot & hindfoot are required;
Pes cavovarus: Review of a surgical approach using selective soft tissue procedures. Paulos L, Coleman S, Samuelson K: J Bone Joint Surg 1980; 62A: 942-953.
A simple test for hindfoot flexibility in the cavovarus foot. Coleman S, Chestnut W: Clin Orthop 1977;122:60-62.
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