👣 Flatfoot / Cavus Measurements (Meary / Calcaneal Pitch / Talonavicular Coverage)
UseFoot & ankle imaging: weight-bearing foot and lateral calcaneal views — hallux valgus, flatfoot and calcaneal…
SourceBourdet C, et al. Flexible flat foot in children: Meary's angle. Orthop Traumatol Surg Res 2013
This-shift next steps
After scoring: open the scene pack, peer scores, and the matching pathway. Local reference — no HIS write.
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Methodology · worked example, guidelines & full notes
Weight-bearing lateral: Meary angle between the talar and first metatarsal axes — plantar apex (flatfoot) positive, dorsal apex (cavus) negative; calcaneal pitch between the inferior calcaneal tangent and the floor.
When to use
Foot & ankle imaging: weight-bearing foot and lateral calcaneal views — hallux valgus, flatfoot and calcaneal fracture assessment.
How it works
Meary angle (plantar apex positive) < −4° (dorsal apex): pes cavus Meary angle (plantar apex positive) −4–4°: normal Meary angle (plantar apex positive) 4–15°: mild flatfoot Meary angle (plantar apex positive) 15–30°: moderate flatfoot Meary angle (plantar apex positive) > 30°: severe flatfoot Calcaneal pitch < 18°: low arch (flatfoot) Calcaneal pitch 18–30°: normal Calcaneal pitch > 30°: pes cavus Talonavicular coverage angle (AP) ≤ 7°: normal Talonavicular coverage angle (AP) > 7°: forefoot abduction, uncovered talar head (progressive collapsing foot)
Key points
- Weight-bearing lateral: Meary angle between the talar and first metatarsal axes — plantar apex (flatfoot) positive, dorsal apex (cavus) negative; calcaneal pitch between the inferior calcaneal tangent and the floor.
- Each value is graded against published reference ranges.
- Measurement technique and positioning change the numbers — compare like with like on follow-up.
- Part of the YuanDoctor MSK measurement topic.
References
- Bourdet C, et al. Flexible flat foot in children: Meary's angle. Orthop Traumatol Surg Res 2013
- Myerson MS, et al. Classification and nomenclature: progressive collapsing foot deformity. Foot Ankle Int 2020;41:1271-1276
Worked calculation
The values below come from this tool's own example placeholders and are computed server-side with the formula shown on this page, so the arithmetic can be checked quickly. It demonstrates how to substitute values only — it is not clinical advice and not a real case.
| Meary angle (plantar apex positive) | 12 ° |
|---|---|
| Calcaneal pitch | 16 ° |
| Talonavicular coverage angle (AP) | 20 ° |
→Calcaneal pitch16°
- Meary angle (plantar apex positive)：12 ° → 4–15°: mild flatfoot
- Calcaneal pitch：16 ° → < 18°: low arch (flatfoot)
- Talonavicular coverage angle (AP)：20 ° → > 7°: forefoot abduction, uncovered talar head (progressive collapsing foot)
Verification & sources · governance
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
- What are the limits and cautions when using Flatfoot / Cavus Measurements (Meary / Calcaneal Pitch / Talonavicular Coverage)?
- For licensed clinicians and clinical researchers. Interpret results with history, investigations and local protocols; not a diagnosis or prescription, and not a substitute for multidisciplinary decision-making or local guidelines.
- Does Flatfoot / Cavus Measurements (Meary / Calcaneal Pitch / Talonavicular Coverage) upload patient data? Where is it calculated?
- Calculation runs locally in the browser; inputs and results are not uploaded. For licensed clinicians only; interpret with history, investigations and local protocols — not a diagnosis or prescription.
- How is Flatfoot / Cavus Measurements (Meary / Calcaneal Pitch / Talonavicular Coverage) calculated in practice? Can you show a worked example?
- Inputs: Meary angle (plantar apex positive) 12 °, Calcaneal pitch 16 °, Talonavicular coverage angle (AP) 20 ° → Result: Calcaneal pitch 16 °（Meary angle (plantar apex positive): 12 ° → 4–15°: mild flatfoot, Calcaneal pitch: 16 ° → < 18°: low arch (flatfoot), Talonavicular coverage angle (AP): 20 ° → > 7°: forefoot abduction, uncovered talar head (progressive collapsing foot)）