Abnormal biomechanics of flatfoot deformities and related theories of biomechanical development.

The flatfoot deformity has been investigated over this century by many leading authorities with regard to its etiologies and pathogenesis. A large number of articles in the early orthopedic literature concerning the flatfoot deformity defined the primary abnormalities of the structure without strong emphasis on its relationship to abnormal functional etiologies leading to the pathogenesis of the deformity. This article emphasizes abnormal biomechanics and theories of development.