Abstract
Total contact casts (TCC) are commonly used in the treatment of neuropathic ulcers of the foot related to diabetes. However, casts may alter the gait pattern and increase loading parameters of the contralateral foot. We determined the effects of total contact casting on plantar pressure parameters for the contralateral extremity. Ten healthy subjects consented to walk, for four consecutive trials, along a 25-meter corridor while wearing a running shoe (RS), fiberglass TCC and a traditional TCC. Parameters of peak pressure, contact time and pressure-time integrals for the contralateral forefoot, metatarsal V area and heel were recorded using the novel Pedar™ system of plantar pressure measurement. Repeated measures analyses of variance (footwear × region) were used to analyze the recorded parameters with post-hoc Tukeys selected for follow-up analysis. Each of the measured parameters for the forefoot, lateral foot over metatarsal V and heel regions on the contralateral foot were similar regardless of footwear worn. Use of a TCC does not appear to affect contralateral foot contact pressure parameters and likely does not increase the risk of contralateral ulceration.
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