Contact patterns at the tarsal joints.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the contact patterns at the tarsal joints under two levels of loading (150 and 600 N) with the foot in the neutral position, plantarflexion, dorsiflexion, inversion and eversion. DESIGN: In vitro measurements quantifying the size, location and patterns of contact. BACKGROUND: Several methods have been employed to study contact areas and patterns in joints such as the hip and knee; in contrast there is limited data on the joints of the foot.