title: Assessment and Diagnosis of Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction: Do We Share the Same Opinions and Beliefs?
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction is a disabling pathologic flatfoot disorder. Evidence supports the notion that this condition is poorly diagnosed by health-care professionals. In addition, opinion is divided as to the most appropriate assessment and diagnostic techniques used to reflect the progression or stage of the condition. Hence, this study intended to explore the views and opinions of health-care professionals who may be involved in its assessment and diagnosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  A two-phase sequential mixed methods design was used that combined a questionnaire survey and a focus group interview.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The questionnaire data were analyzed using the Kendall levels of concordance and the Cohen kappa statistic, and the focus group data were analyzed using thematic analysis, which led to three main themes: resource implications, scope of practice, and awareness of the condition.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study highlights what may have been suspected previously but that has never been investigated in a structured manner. One approach to the assessment and diagnosis of posterior tibial tendon dysfunction is not necessarily the best, and depending on the clinical teams, different guidance may be required to ensure that patients are receiving the most appropriate and best care.
authors.forename: Beverley
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Durrant
authors.forename: Nachiappan
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Chockalingam
authors.forename: Christopher
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Morriss-Roberts
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000843:Ankle Joint / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D005413:Flatfoot / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009985:Orthopedics / Q000379:methods*; D037081:Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires