Plantar Fascia Thickness and Pedobarometric Parameters in Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction

This study aims to compare plantar fascia thickness and pedobarometric parameters between individuals with sacroiliak joint dysfunction and healty individuals.A total of 52 adult volunteers aged 18 to 50 years were included in the study, with 26 pariticipants in the sacroiliac joint dysfunction group and 26 participants in the healty control group.Participants with sacroiliac joint dysfunction were identified based on clinical examination and sacroiliac joint pain provocation tests. Foot posture was evaluated using the Foot Posture Index-6 (FPI-6), and participants with neutral foot posture were included. Plantar fascia thickness of both feet was measured using ultrasound. Static foot pressure measurements were performed during standing with eyes open and closed, and dynamic foot pressure measurements were performed during walking using a pedobarometric system. The study compares plantar fascia thickness and pedobarometric parameters between the sacroiliak joint dysfunction and control groups. It also investigates the relationship between plantar fascia thickness and pedobarometric parameters.

Inclusion Criteria: Sacroiliac joint dysfunction group: * Age 18 to 50 years * Low back pain for at least 3 months, localized mainly around the posterior superior iliac spine, with or without radiation to the buttock or posterior thigh * At least three of six sacroiliac joint pain provocation tests (FABER, Gaenslen, thigh thrust, sacral thrust, compression, and distraction) positive on the same side * Foot Posture Index-6 score between 0 and +5 in both feet Healthy control group: * Age 18 to 50 years * No diagnosis of sacroiliac joint dysfunction and no related complaints (all six sacroiliac joint pain provacation tests (FABER, Gaenslen, thigh thrust, sacral thrust, compression, and distraction) negative bilaterally ) * Foot Posture Index-6 score between 0 and +5 in both feet Exclusion Criteria: * Systemic rheumatologic disease (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis) * Metabolic bone disease (e.g., osteoporosis, osteomalacia) * Active lumbar disc herniation or radiculopathy * Previous fracture, surgery, or structural deformity of the lower extremity * Pregnancy * Body mass index above 30 kg/m2 * Diabetes mellitus and/or hypothyroidism * Regular exercise on more than three days per week * Occupation requiring prolonged standing (e.g., teacher, surgeon, waiter) * Walking more than 5 km per day * Physical therapy and/or injection treatment to the foot or ankle within the past 6 months * Previous diagnosis or history of plantar fasciitis * Central or peripheral nervous system disease (e.g., stroke, peripheral neuropathy, tarsal tunnel syndrome, Morton's neuroma) * Lower extremity length discrepancy of 1 cm or more * Use of orthopedic insoles, special footwear, or orthoses * History of serious foot trauma (e.g., moderate to severe ankle sprain)