Arch Index: An Easier Approach for Arch Height (A Regression Analysis)

Background: Arch-height estimation though practiced usually in supine posture; is neither correct nor scientific as referred in literature, which favour for standing x-rays or arch-index as yardstick. In fact the standing x-rays can be excused for being troublesome in busy OPD, but an ink-footprint on simple graph-sheet can be documented, as it is easier, cheaper and requires almost no machineries and expertisation. Objective: So this study aimed to redefine the inter-relationship of the radiological standing arch-heights with the arch-index for correlation and regression so that from the later we can derive the radiographical standing arch-height values indirectly, avoiding the actual maneuver. Methods: The study involved 103 adult subjects attending at a tertiary care hospital of North Bengal. From the standing x-rays of foot, the standing navicular, talar heights were measured, and ‘normalised’ with the foot length. In parallel foot-prints also been obtained for arch-index. Finally variables analysed by SPSS software. Result: The arch-index showed significant negative correlations and simple linear regressions with standing navicular height, standing talar height as well as standing normalised navicular and talar heights analysed in both sexes separately with supporting mathematical equations. Conclusion: To measure the standing arch-height in a busy OPD, it is wise to have the foot-print first. Arch-index once get known, can be put in the equations as derived here, to predict the preferred standing arch-heights in either sex.