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Pes Cavus is another name for a high-arched foot. Prevalence in the population is estimated to be 8-15%.

What causes Pes Cavus deformity?

Severe Pes Cavus can be caused by progressive neurological disorders (e.g., spinal trauma, muscular dystrophy, hereditary neuropathy), static neurological disorders (e.g., stroke, cerebral palsy) and other causes, such as foot trauma.

Pes Cavus disease symptoms

The shape of the foot may range from a slight high arch to a severe deformity that causes a patient to walk on the outside of the foot.

Pes Cavus diagnosis

An X-ray will confirm a diagnosis of Pes Cavus and its severity.

How to treat Pes Cavus?

Slight high arches are usually corrected or managed with specially designed footwear (orthotics) and severe deformity may require orthopedic surgery to achieve realignment. Osteotomy (the surgical cutting of a bone or removal of a piece of bone) and an external fixation device can correct a severe bone deformity, thus reducing pain, improving function, and decreasing the incidence of deformity-related injuries, such as ankle sprains and broken bones. However, realignment through an external fixator must be supplemented with soft-tissue-balancing procedures, such as tendon transfer and orthotic management, in order to maintain the correction.

Pes Cavus complications

Left untreated, Pes Cavus causes foot pain, and potentially knee, hip and back pain that limits mobility. People with Pes Cavus deformity may also be more prone to broken bones in the lower legs.