Plantar Pressure Values in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis and Their Relation with Clinical and Radiological Parameters: Pedobarographic Cross-Sectional Clinical Study

To determine the relationship between plantar pressure values of patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and clinical and radiological parameters used in the follow-up of the disease. This study was conducted with 75 patients diagnosed with AS. The Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (ASQoL), the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI), the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI], Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), Maastricht AS Enthesitis Score (MASES), Mander Enthesitis Index (MEI), and the thoracic kyphosis angle were recorded. Static and dynamic plantar pressures were recorded in the pedobarographic examinations. Static evaluations in the group with increased kyphosis angle, left forefoot medial pressure, bilateral forefoot midsection pressure, percentages of the total load falling on the forefoot in the feet, and left medial and lateral pressures of the heel were found to be higher than in the normal kyphosis angle group. There was no statistical difference in the dynamic evaluation. Increased BASDAI, BASMI, and BASFI scores were associated with decreased forefoot pressure values and increased hindfoot load. Plantar pressure values were associated with clinical and radiological parameters in patients with AS. Pedobarography seems to be an appropriate tool for evaluating the effect and clinical course of the disease on the foot in patients with AS. Trial registration number NCT05731635/02.07.2023 retrospectively registered.