RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Clinical Examination of Cavovarus Feet

This study investigates cavovarus feet, a complex foot condition often seen in people with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. Currently, identifying different types of these foot deformities requires special computer software, which isn't available to most doctors. This makes it hard to know which treatment might work best for each patient. Researchers at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital (RNOH) want to find simpler ways to tell these foot types apart, such as through physical examinations or standard scans. If successful, this could help more doctors quickly understand and properly treat cavovarus feet, ultimately improving care for many patients. The study will look at patient information already collected and new information from people attending clinics at RNOH.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Trust

Enrolment target

Start

28 May 2026

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2027

Cavus Foot

What is this study about?

Cavovarus feet are a type of foot deformity that can be quite complicated, especially for people with conditions like Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. There isn't always a clear agreement among doctors on the best way to treat them because there are different types of these deformities, which we call 'morphotypes.' Up until now, identifying these specific types has required special computer programs and 3D imaging, which are only available in a few expert centres.

This means that it's difficult for most doctors to figure out exactly which treatment would be most helpful for each patient. Our team at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital (RNOH) has a lot of experience with patients who have these foot conditions and access to the necessary tools and information. We believe there's a real need to find easier ways to identify these different foot types so that more doctors can use this knowledge.

In this study, we want to discover if we can use simpler methods, like careful physical examinations and measurements from standard scans (without needing special software), to tell the difference between these various cavovarus foot types. We will focus on patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. If we can find reliable and easy-to-use methods, it could help many more doctors around the country better understand and treat cavovarus feet, leading to improved care for patients.

Key takeaways

Study focuses on cavovarus feet in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.
Aims to find simpler ways to identify different foot types.
Uses physical exams and standard scans instead of special software.
Could help more doctors understand and treat the condition.
Participation involves routine clinic assessments or review of past medical notes.
Low risk study with potential long-term benefits for patients.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 or over. You must have a diagnosis of a cavovarus foot deformity and also have Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease or another inherited condition that affects your nerves and muscles. You also need to already be a patient with the Foot & Ankle Unit at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital (RNOH).

If you're interested in the 'prospective' part of the study (meaning collecting new information), you'll need to be able to understand and sign a consent form. For the 'retrospective' part, we'll be looking at past information from your medical records if you've been assessed for cavovarus feet at RNOH and your foot type was previously identified using special software.

However, you won't be able to take part if you've had surgery on the back or middle part of your foot before, or if you're under 18. For the 'prospective' part, you can't join if you're unable to give consent. For the 'retrospective' part, we won't use your data if you've previously said you don't want your information used for research, or if there isn't enough information about your foot examination in your medical notes.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you have a cavovarus foot deformity?
Do you have Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease or a similar inherited nerve condition?
Are you a patient at the Foot & Ankle Unit at Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital?
Have you *not* had previous surgery on the back or middle of your foot?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study involves two main parts: a 'retrospective' part and a 'prospective' part. If you've been a patient at RNOH for cavovarus feet in the past and your medical notes contain certain details, your previously collected clinical information and imaging data might be reviewed by the study team. This would happen without you needing to do anything further, as long as you haven't previously opted out of your data being used for research.

For the 'prospective' part, if you're attending a routine clinic appointment at RNOH for cavovarus feet, your participation would involve the medical team performing their standard physical examination of your feet and ankles. They might also take some manual measurements. This is part of the routine care you would receive anyway. The study team would then analyse these findings, potentially comparing them to advanced imaging results that may have been taken as part of your usual care. There are no additional visits, medication, or specific follow-up appointments required solely for this research study beyond your usual medical care.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study involves very low risk as it primarily uses information from routine clinic appointments and existing medical records. For the prospective part, the physical examination is a standard part of your medical care and poses no extra risk. The potential benefit is that the study could lead to a simpler, more widely available method for doctors to identify different types of cavovarus feet. This could improve how these conditions are understood and treated in the future, ultimately benefiting many patients. You always have the right to withdraw your consent at any time, which means your participation would stop and no new information from you would be used for the study.

Locations (1)

Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital
Verified postcode
Stanmore, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is a cavovarus foot?

It's a complex foot shape where the arch is usually very high and the heel turns inward, which can cause problems with walking and balance.

What is Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease?

It's a group of inherited conditions that affect the nerves, often leading to weakness and changes in foot shape, like cavovarus feet.

Will I have extra tests or appointments if I join?

No, for the 'prospective' part, it involves your usual physical examination during your clinic visit. For the 'retrospective' part, we use existing information from your medical records.

What does 'forefoot morphotypes' mean?

It refers to the different specific shapes or types of the front part of your foot within the overall cavovarus deformity.

How could this research help me?

While it might not directly change your current treatment, the study aims to improve how doctors understand and treat cavovarus feet in the future, potentially leading to better care for people with this condition.

How to find out more

Karan Malhotra

k.malhotra@nhs.nbet +442039470272 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.