What is Pes Cavus and What Causes It

A High Arched Foot

Pes Cavus: Pes cavus is the increased antero-posterior curvature of the arch of the foot.

Causes:

1. Idiopathic
2. Spinocerebellar atrophy: Friedreich’s ataxia, peroneal muscular atrophy
3. Spinal cord disease: Poliomyelitis, spina bifida
4. Cerebral palsy

Deformities of The Vertebral Column With Causes

The vertebral column in a normal upright position has two antero-posterior curves-one with a concavity forwards in the upper dorsal region and the other with a slight convexity forwards in the dorsolumbar region. Normally, there is no lateral curvature. The vertebral column should be examined for any abnormality, angular deformity, swelling or tenderness.

Normally the vertebral column has both anterior as well as lateral mobility. This can be tested by asking the patient to bend forwards, backwards and sideways. Limitation of movements and pain, if any, should be looked for.

An Xray showing lumbar and dorsal scoliotic curves: IImage Credit: Wikipedia

I. Scoliosis: Scoliosis is an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine.

Causes:

1. Congenital
2. Postural: Carrying heavy weight in one arm.
3. Compensatory: Reduced length of one lower limb.
4. Reflex: To relieve pain as in sciatica or renal colic.
5. Neurological: Poliomyelitis, syringomyelia, muscular dystrophy, hereditary ataxia.
6. Rickets
7. Functional

II. Kyphosis: Kyphosis is an abnormal anterio-posterior curvature of the spine with forward concavity and dorsal prominence.

An Xray showing Kyphosis of the dorsal spine : Image Credit -Wikipedia

Causes:

1. Congenital: Wedge shaped vertebra
2. Postural: Carrying weights on the back
3. Disease of bone and joints: Tuberculosis (Pott’s spine), rheumatoid arthritis, rickets, osteoarthritis, osteitis deformans, fracture of the vertebral body, new growth of the spine.
4. Neurological: Muscular dystrophy, hereditary spastic paraplegia, Friedreich’s ataxia, sryingomyelia, poliomyelitis, cerebral palsy, neurofibroma, etc.

III. Lordosis: Lordosis is an abnormal anterior-posterior curvature of the spine with forward convexity.

A photograph showing lordosis Image Credit Wikipedia

Causes:

1. Physiological: Pregnancy
2. Secondary to hip disease and congenital
3. Muscular dystrophy
4. Large abdominal tumors