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Published in: International Orthopaedics 9/2013

01-09-2013 | Original Paper

The pictogram of the pes planus from the first century AD

Authors: Mario Wokaunn, Stella Fatović- Ferenčić, Michele Mikolaučić

Published in: International Orthopaedics | Issue 9/2013

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Abstract

Purpose

This study presents a pictogram engraved into the Marble Road of the ancient town of Ephesus, with a special emphasis on one part of it which represents a flat foot. Although the flat foot is a widespread and common disturbance in all time periods, we were motivated by a lack of its representation within iconographical, historical or other sources.

Method

Aiming to confirm the diagnosis objectively we applied the modern diagnostic methodology, arch index (AI). The result was 0.33, which is a mathematical proof that the Ephesus foot is definitely flat.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, this picture from the first century AD is among the oldest representations of a flat foot in history.
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Metadata
Title
The pictogram of the pes planus from the first century AD
Authors
Mario Wokaunn
Stella Fatović- Ferenčić
Michele Mikolaučić
Publication date
01-09-2013
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
International Orthopaedics / Issue 9/2013
Print ISSN: 0341-2695
Electronic ISSN: 1432-5195
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-013-2020-4

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