Feiss Line Test

Original Editor - Cindy John-Chu

Top Contributors - Cindy John-Chu, Oyemi Sillo, Kim Jackson and Muskan Rastogi  

Introduction[edit | edit source]

The feiss line test is a simple method used for determining the position of the navicular tubercle and also assess the longitudinal arch of the foot. It involves drawing a line from the first metatarsophalangeal joint, that extends over the navicular tubercle up to the apex of the medial malleolus. It may be defined as an imaginary line that extends straight from the medial malleolus through the navicular bone to the centre of the head of the first metatarsal[1].

Alterations in the angulation created by the line either before or during weight bearing is indicative of excessive pronation of the foot. The foot is considered hyperpronated when feiss angle is between 30° and 90° while the foot is bearing weight[2].

Description[edit | edit source]

The examiner requires a marker and straight line rule. With the marker, marks are made on the medial malleolus, the navicular tubercle and the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. A straight line that connects the marks is then drawn from the medial malleolus to the MTP.

[3]

Results[edit | edit source]

Possible results that can be deduced:

  • If the line drawn intersects with the navicular tubercle, or is close to it, this indicates a normal foot
  • Pes planus is indicative if the navicular sits below the Feiss line
  • When line runs below the tubercle, pes cavus is indicated[4]



References[edit | edit source]

  1. Hannigan-Downs K, Harter R, Smith G. Radiographic validation and reliability of selected clinical measures of pronation. J Ath Tr 2000; 35:12-30.
  2. Medical Dictionary, 2009 Farlex and Partners. Available from: https://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Feiss+line (accessed 27 February 2021).
  3. Jack Elliott-Gower. Feiss Line Test. Available from: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2kd6Z-nTiKc [last accessed 3/3/2021
  4. Feiss HO. A simple method of estimating the common varitions and deformities of the foot. 1. The American Journal of the Medical Sciences (1827-1924). 1909 Aug 1;138(2):213.