Abstract

Introduction. Dysfunction or rupture of the posterior tibial tendon (PTT) is a fairly common cause of acquired adult flatfoot. Conservative and surgical treatments are used to correct PTT dysfunction.

Objective. The aim of this study was to present the characteristic features of PTT dysfunction and evaluate the application and effectiveness of selected physiotherapeutic methods in the treatment of posterior tibial muscle insufficiency.

Materials and Methods. Available literature was analyzed based on English-language databases such as PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Medline, and others, using the Google Scholar search engine. A total of 20 articles were analyzed out of 52 identified through the aforementioned method. Publications no older than 10 years were included as search criteria, using the following keywords: posterior tibial muscle insufficiency, orthoses, orthopedic insoles, flatfoot, physiotherapy.

Results. It was not possible to specify which method of treating posterior tibial muscle insufficiency is the most effective.

Conclusions. Contemporary research suggests that conservative treatment methods appear to be effective in treating posterior tibial muscle insufficiency. Although opinions on the effectiveness of orthoses are divided, the majority acknowledges that orthoses improve the functioning of patients with posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD).

Key words:

posterior tibial muscle insufficiency, orthoses, orthopedic insoles, flatfoot, physiotherapy