Arch Height: A Regression Analysis of Different Measuring Parameters

Rationale: For measuring the height of the arch of foot either standing navicular height or talar height of the medial longitudinal arch was accepted in earlier days, where as the ‘standing normalised navicular height’ is taken by modern day by authors as a yardstick. But being troublesome and time consuming, we practically not opt for them in busy OPD schedule; rather go for measuring the arch-height in supine posture. Objectives: So this study was aimed to derive the regression between the standing arch-height values with the supine counterparts, so that former can be predicted easily from later. Methodology: It was carried out among 103 adult subjects in the purview of North Bengal Medical College & Hospital. From the x-ray films of their feet in supine and standing posture the navicular and talar heights were determined and the records were analysed. Result: Statistically significant correlation followed by regression analysis could reveal simple linear regression-equations for predicting the standing arch-height values from the supine values; derived separately in both males and females. Conclusion: Thus, from a known supine arch-height value, we can derive the respective standing arch- height, as well as the ‘standing normalised navicular height’ indirectly avoiding the entire troublesome maneuver in regular practice. So the present study recommends this method in clinical fields as because this is more rational and ideal approach to estimate arch height.