Calcaneal pitch
The calcaneal pitch is an angle used mainly in the diagnosis and severity grading of flat feet and pes cavus.Measurement
Calcaneal pitch is an angle of the calcaneus and the inferior aspect of the foot, with different sources giving different reference points. The first line making up the angle is defined as either:
The second line is defined as extending from either of the two above to either of the following:
- The inferior border of the head of the fifth :en:Metatarsal bones|metatarsal bone.
- The inferior aspect of the medial :en:Sesamoid bone|sesamoid bone.
- Parallel to the ground.
Interpretation
Calcaneal pitch is increased in pes cavus, with cutoffs ranging from 20° to 32°.
A calcaneal pitch of less than 17° or 18° indicates flat feet.
