Thesis (PhD)--University of Western Sydney, 2001. / Bibliography: leaves 201-216.

Thesis (M.Tech.: Chiropractic)-Dept. of Chiropractic, Durban Institute of Technology, 2005 xvi, 96, [65] leaves : ill. ; 30 cm / Low -Dye taping is a method commonly used in sport participation and normal daily activity (Harradine, Herrington and Wright, 2001). It has been indicated in support of injured structures, decreasing edema and protection against re-injury (Reid, 1992:232). Contrary to these beliefs, studies have shown that low -dye anti-pronatory control is lost after relatively short episodes of exercise (Ator et al., 1991 and Vicenzino et al., 1997). The variations in dynamic foot function with low -dye taping is not well understood, although taping of the foot in low-dye type method has been advocated by many authors (Brantingham et al., 1992, Ryan, 1995 and Chandler and Kibler, 1993). It was the purpose of this study to investigate the maximum ground reaction force and percentage contact time within 10 demarcated regions of the foot in asymptomatic patient with pes planus, cavus and normal medial longitudinal arches at four time intervals over 24 hours. Having established its baseline function it may serve as point of reference for clinical trials that wish to determine the role of taping as part of the management of symptomatic feet.

Diabetes can affect the structure and function of the foot, resulting in severe limitation of mobility and reduction of life expectancy. Early warning signs include limited joint mobility (LJM), soft tissue changes, high plantar pressure (HPP), high pressure time integrals (P/TI) and plantar callus. These abnormalities were examined in 216 young people with diabetes and 57 controls. The fingers, toes, ankle subtalar and first metatarsophalangeal joints shows reduced motion and the plantar aponeurosis was thicker in diabetic subjects. Skin thickness was the same for diabetic and control subjects. LJM in the feet was more common in males and older subjects. Subtalar and finger LJM was associated with early sensory nerve changes and finger LJM was associated with retinopathy and higher HbAtc. Thicker plantar aponeurosis was associated with male gander and larger feet. High peak pressure, high P/TI and callus were no more common in diabetic subjects than controls. However, high P/TI and callus were associated with early sensory nerve changes in young people with diabetes. Diabetic subjects with callus were significantly older than those without callus. Those with HPP had higher body mass index and less motion at the first MTP joints than those without HPP. Although plantar callus, HPP and high P/TI were no more common in young people with diabetes these abnormailities may be complicated by diabetes. Cushioning, custom orthoses or both in combination significantly reduced peak pressure and P/TI in diabetic subjects. / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Im Zuge systematisch durchgeführter thermografischer Untersuchungen an 95 Asiatischen Elefanten in europäischen Zoos konnten physiologische Wärmeprofile aller nicht von Fußkrankheiten betroffener Elefanten erstellt werden. Um eine objektivere Befundung zu ermöglichen, wurden dafür definierte Messbereiche an den Füßen festgelegt und deren Temperaturdaten als Wärmekurven für jeden Zeh dargestellt. Es zeigte sich, dass die Bandbreite von Temperaturen gleicher Messbereiche starken individuellen Schwankungen unterliegt, weshalb eine Befundung nicht anhand absoluter Temperaturwerte erfolgen sollte. So wurden über gleichen Messbereichen unterschiedlicher Elefanten Temperaturunterschiede von bis zu 8 °C festgestellt. Auch die Umgebungsfaktoren während der Untersuchung tragen zu dieser Varianz bei. Bei Umgebungstemperaturen zwischen 17,5 °C und 23 °C stellt sich durch Erhöhung der Außentemperatur um 1 °C eine um 0,5 °C erhöhte Wärmeabstrahlung über der Haut dar. Eine Erhöhung der Luftfeuchte um 1 % verursacht eine um 0,03 °C vermehrte Wärmeabstrahlung. Die Wärmeprofile stellten sich für die Kronsaum- und Hufwandbereiche der Zehen eines Fußes von medial nach lateral in einem parabelförmigen Verlauf dar, wobei die höchsten Temperaturen an den kranialen Zehen gemessen wurden. Die Differenz zwischen Kronsaum- und Hufwandbereichen blieb dabei konstant. Die Temperaturen der Zehenregion oberhalb des Kronsaums folgten nicht dieser Parabelform, lagen aber, außer an der jeweils medialen Seite, konstant unterhalb der Kronsaumtemperaturen. Bei Vergleich mit thermografischen Befunden erkrankter Zehen zeigte sich meist ein starker Anstieg der Zehenregiontemperatur weit über die Kronsaumtemperaturen hinaus, weshalb sich dieses Verhältnis als Indiz für ein akutes Enzündungsgeschehen nutzen lässt. Ein gleichmäßiges Wärmeprofil, welches möglichst dicht dem in dieser Arbeit entwickelten Profil gleicht und konstante Temperaturdifferenzen zwischen den einzelnen Messbereichen aufweist, ist ein gutes Indiz für einen gesunden Fuß. Thermografische Befundungen sollten immer mit Hilfe herkömmlicher visueller Auswertung und zusätzlich der Erstellung eines Wärmeprofils vorgenommen werden, um die Subjektivität zu minimieren. Erstmalig wurden in dieser Arbeit drei Elefanten mittels Pedografie untersucht, um Aufschlüsse über die Druckverteilung unter dem Elefantenfuß zu erhalten. Wie bei Menschen und pedografisch vermessenen Rindern fanden sich auch beim Elefanten charakteristische Druckprofile. Druckspitzenwerte tauchten hierbei vor allem im kranialen Bereich der Füße als Druckleiste, aber auch im kaudalen Bereich in Form zweier Druckpfeiler auf. Experimente mit einer Methode zur Simulierung weicheren Untergrundes schienen die Druckspitzenwerte etwas abzuschwächen und das allgemeine Druckprofil einzuebnen, waren aber nur schwer auszuwerten. Die Methode eignet sich ebenso zur Erfassung der tatsächlich belasteten Fläche der Füße, welche sich bei stärkerer Belastung, beispielsweise dreibeinigem Stehen, vergrößerte. Trotz noch einiger methodischer und technischer Probleme, eröffnet sich mit der Pedografie ein sicherlich lohnenswertes Forschungsfeld für weitere Studien, die einen besseren Einblick in die Druckphysiologie des Elefantenfußes gewähren könnten. Weiterhin wurden in dieser Arbeit Daten der Elefantenhaltungssysteme von 17 besuchten europäischen Zoos, sowie Daten über Häufigkeit und Art der Gliedmaßenkrankheiten und anderer gesundheitlicher Parameter aller 95 untersuchter Elefanten ausgewertet. Hierbei zeigte sich immer noch starker Verbesserungsbedarf im Hinblick auf Innengehegegrößen und die verwendeten Bodenmaterialien. Auch Bewegungsprogramme für den Aufenthalt im Außengehege wurden nur in weniger als der Hälfte der Zoos eingesetzt. Positiv fiel auf, dass die Elefanten in den besuchten Zoos kaum noch angekettet werden und falls doch, nur kurzzeitig zu Untersuchungszwecken. Den Daten der Haltungsanalysen entsprechend, fielen die Auswertungen zur Fußgesundheit aus: Nur 36 % der untersuchten Elefanten litten bisher noch niemals unter Fußerkrankungen. Allein zum Zeitpunkt der Untersuchung wurden bei 27 % der Tiere akute Erkrankungen festgestellt, die unter Behandlung standen. Hierbei handelte es sich hauptsächlich um Abszesse oder andere entzündliche Veränderungen im Bereich des Nagelbetts. Weiterhin wurden 30 % der Elefanten als übergewichtig eingeschätzt und 36 % der Tiere zeigten stereotype Bewegungsmuster. / A total of 95 Asiatic Elephants in 17 European zoos were systematically examined using a high resolution thermographic camera and physiologic heat profiles of elephant’s feet without known foot diseases were established. To allow a more objective evaluation of thermographic findings, the feet and toes were divided schematically into defined areas for measurement purposes, based on anatomical features for which the temperature data was then plotted to produce heat curves for each area. Measurements of temperatures pertaining to similar areas of different elephants showed strong individual fluctuation. Temperature variation was as high as 8 °C in similar areas between elephants. Thus, evaluation of thermographic findings should never be based on absolute temperature readings alone. This strong variation is partly caused by environmental factors during the examination. With environmental temperatures between 17,5 °C and 23 °C, a one degree increase of this temperature will cause a 0,5 °C increase of the heat radiation of the feet. An increase of air humidity by 1 % will cause an increase of 0,03 °C of the measured thermographical heat radiation. The physiological heat profiles for coronary and hoof wall areas of the toes showed an arched, parable-like shape when plotted from the medial over the cranial to the lateral toes. The highest temperature readings were found on the cranial toes. The difference between coronary and hoof wall temperatures of similar toes were constant all over the foot. The physiological heat profiles of the toe areas above the coronary region did not show this arched shape but stayed below the coronary temperature readings except on the medial toe. On comparison with thermographic findings of inflammated toes, a strong increase of this area above the coronary band was found which exceeded the temperature of the coronary region. This characteristic can be used as an indicator for acute inflammations. A regular heat profile, which resembles closely the physiological heat profile created in this study and which shows constant temperature differences between the defined areas of the single toes, is a good indicator of healthy foot. It is recommended that thermographic examinations always are evaluated using conventional observation of the heat patterns in conjunction with the additional creation of a heat profile to minimize subjectivity by the clinician. For the first time three elephants were examined in this study using a new pedographic method to gain information on the pressure distribution below the elephant’s foot. As found in humans as well as in pedographically examined cows, the pressure distribution in elephant’s feet showed a characteristic profile. Pressure peaks showed up especially in the cranial area of the foot, possibly the border between sole and pad, as well as in the caudal region in the shape of two pressure pillars. Experiments with a method to simulate softer ground seemed to lower the pressure peaks slightly in favor of a broader distribution, but were very difficult to evaluate, especially considering the small sample size. This method is also suited to register the actual area size put under pressure by the elephant, which was shown to rise under increased pressure, e. g. three legged standing. Despite some encountered methodical and technical problems, pedography of elephants is going to be a very promising field for further scientific studies in order to acquire more information on the physiology of pressure distribution. Data on husbandry conditions of the 17 visited zoos and as well as data on frequency and type of foot diseases and other health parameters of all 95 examined elephants were also collected and evaluated. A strong need for improvement was observed in terms of enclosure sizes and the surface materials used in indoor enclosures. Also, daily routines to increase activity of the elephants in the outdoor enclosures were found to be carried out only in half of the visited zoos. On a positive note, elephants in the evaluated zoos were hardly ever chained and if so, only for examination purposes. According to the data of the husbandry evaluation the information on the current status of foot health showed the need for improvement: Only in 36 % of the examined elephants foot problems were so far not encountered. On the time of examination 27 % of the animals were found to be under ongoing treatment for foot diseases. Mostly these were abscesses or other inflammation processes in the area of the nail’s laminar tissue. Out of the study sample, 30 % of the elephants were estimated to be overweight and 36 % showed stereotypic movement patterns.

INTRODUÇÃO: As alterações do comprimento relativo dos metatarsais no plano axial são consideradas por muitos autores uma causa de distribuição inadequada da carga durante a marcha, sobrecarregando as estruturas plantares do antepé, culminando com a metatarsalgia. A meta do tratamento cirúrgico dessa síndrome é estabelecer o alinhamento da fórmula metatarsal. Porém, muitos estudos evidenciam uma taxa de 15% de recidiva da metatarsalgia após a reconstrução do formato preconizado no plano axial, conduzindo a um questionamento sobre a importância do alinhamento das cabeças dos metatarsais no plano coronal. OBJETIVO: Esse estudo tem como objetivo avaliar o padrão de alinhamento das cabeças dos metatarsais no plano coronal com carga, em indivíduos sem e com metatarsalgia. MÉTODO: Estudo transversal, avaliou 106 indivíduos entre 30 a 65 anos, dividindo-os em dois grupos de 106 pés cada, um sem dor, deformidades e calosidades nos pés e outro grupo com metatarsalgia entre os 2º, 3º e 4º metatarsais. O recrutamento dos indivíduaos foi realizado no Pronto Socorro do IOT e no ambulatório do IOT HC FMUSP, respeitando os critérios de inclusão, exclusão e aplicando o Termo de Consentimento Livre e Esclarecido. Indivíduos com deformidades no mediopé, retropé e tornozelo, pacientes com cirurgias ou fraturas prévias no pé, doenças reumatológicas e síndromes osteoneuromusculares, não foram incluídos. Após a seleção, os indivíduos foram submetidos a duas radiografias, uma axial do antepé com carga, avaliando o plano coronal de modo a aferir as alturas das cabeças dos metatarsais, e uma anteroposterior dos pés com carga, determinando o comprimento de cada raio. A análise estatística foi realizada, comparando as medidas entre os grupos. RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados 106 indivíduos, divididos em dois grupos com 106 pés cada. No grupo com metatarsalgia, 34 pés (32%) eram de pacientes do sexo masculino, apresentando uma média de idade de 49,5 anos. Foram identificados 33 pés com hálux valgo no grupo com metatarsalgia. No grupo sem patologia 54 pés (51%) eram de pacientes do sexo masculino, apresentando uma média de idade de 44,6 anos. As variáveis antropométricas como tamanho do pé, peso, altura e IMC, entre os grupos, não apresentaram diferença estatística. As cabeças dos metatarsais em ambos grupos se distribuíram em formato não retilíneo no plano coronal, seguindo a fórmula M1 M3 > M4=M5. O apoio distal do 1º raio apresentou uma posição mais plantar no grupo com metatarsalgia (p=0,000). CONCLUSÃO: As cabeças dos metatarsais em indivíduos com metatarsalgia e sem deformidade em valgo do 1º dedo, se alinharam no plano coronal de modo que M1 M3 > M4=M5, sendo M1 < M3, M1 < M4 e o M1 < M5. As cabeças dos metatarsais em indivíduos sem dor, calosidades e deformidades no antepé, se alinharam no plano coronal de modo que M1 M3 > M4=M5, sendo M1 < M3 e M1=M4=M5. No plano coronal o ponto de apoio do M1 se posicionou mais plantar nos pés de indivíduos com metatarsalgia / INTRODUCTION: Many authors consider the differences in the relative length of metatarsals in the axial plane, the cause of inadequate load distribution during the gait, overloading the forefoot plantar structures, culminating with metatarsalgia. The realignment of the metatarsal formula is the goal of surgical treatment of this syndrome. However, many studies have shown a 15% rate of metatarsalgia recurrence after the reconstruction in the axial plane, questioning the importance of the metatarsal heads alignment in the coronal plane. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the alignment pattern of metatarsal heads in the coronal plane in individuals with and without metatarsalgia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study evaluated 106 individuals between 30 and 65 years old. They were divided in two groups of 106 feet each, one without foot pathologies and another group with metatarsalgia between the 2nd, 3rd and 4th metatarsals. The recruitment was performed at the IOT HC FMUSP for both groups, respecting the criteria of inclusion, exclusion and applying the Informed Consent Term. Individuals with midfoot, hindfoot and ankle deformities, patients with previous surgeries or fractures in the foot, rheumatologic diseases and osteoneuromuscular syndromes were not included. After the selection, the subjects were submitted to one weightbearing forefoot axial radiograph, evaluating the coronal plane in order to verify the heights of the metatarsals heads, and other weightbearing anteroposterior foot radiograph, determining the length of each ray. Statistical analysis was performed comparing the measurements between groups. RESULTS: A hundred six individuals were evaluated, forming two groups with 106 feet each. The group with metatarsalgia presented 34 male patients feet (32%), with a mean age of 49.5 years. Thirty-three feet with hallux valgus were identified in the metatarsalgia group. In the non-pathological group were found 54 male patients feet (51%), with a mean age of 44.6 years. Anthropometric variables such as foot size, body weight, height and BMI between the groups did not present statistical difference. The metatarsal heads in both groups were distributed in curved line in the coronal plane, following the formula M1 M3 > M4 = M5. The distal support of the 1st ray was positioned more plantar in the metatarsalgia group (p = 0.000). CONCLUSION: The metatarsal heads in individuals with metatarsalgia and no hallux valgus, were aligned in the coronal plane following this formula M1 M3 > M4 = M5, with M1 < M3, M1 < M4 and M1 < M5. The metatarsal heads in individuals without pain, callosities and forefoot deformities, were aligned in the coronal plane following the position M1 M3 > M4 = M5, with M1 < M3 and M1 = M4 = M5. In the coronal plane, the M1 weightbearing point was more plantar in the feet of individuals with metatarsalgia

INTRODUÇÃO: As alterações do comprimento relativo dos metatarsais no plano axial são consideradas por muitos autores uma causa de distribuição inadequada da carga durante a marcha, sobrecarregando as estruturas plantares do antepé, culminando com a metatarsalgia. A meta do tratamento cirúrgico dessa síndrome é estabelecer o alinhamento da fórmula metatarsal. Porém, muitos estudos evidenciam uma taxa de 15% de recidiva da metatarsalgia após a reconstrução do formato preconizado no plano axial, conduzindo a um questionamento sobre a importância do alinhamento das cabeças dos metatarsais no plano coronal. OBJETIVO: Esse estudo tem como objetivo avaliar o padrão de alinhamento das cabeças dos metatarsais no plano coronal com carga, em indivíduos sem e com metatarsalgia. MÉTODO: Estudo transversal, avaliou 106 indivíduos entre 30 a 65 anos, dividindo-os em dois grupos de 106 pés cada, um sem dor, deformidades e calosidades nos pés e outro grupo com metatarsalgia entre os 2º, 3º e 4º metatarsais. O recrutamento dos indivíduaos foi realizado no Pronto Socorro do IOT e no ambulatório do IOT HC FMUSP, respeitando os critérios de inclusão, exclusão e aplicando o Termo de Consentimento Livre e Esclarecido. Indivíduos com deformidades no mediopé, retropé e tornozelo, pacientes com cirurgias ou fraturas prévias no pé, doenças reumatológicas e síndromes osteoneuromusculares, não foram incluídos. Após a seleção, os indivíduos foram submetidos a duas radiografias, uma axial do antepé com carga, avaliando o plano coronal de modo a aferir as alturas das cabeças dos metatarsais, e uma anteroposterior dos pés com carga, determinando o comprimento de cada raio. A análise estatística foi realizada, comparando as medidas entre os grupos. RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados 106 indivíduos, divididos em dois grupos com 106 pés cada. No grupo com metatarsalgia, 34 pés (32%) eram de pacientes do sexo masculino, apresentando uma média de idade de 49,5 anos. Foram identificados 33 pés com hálux valgo no grupo com metatarsalgia. No grupo sem patologia 54 pés (51%) eram de pacientes do sexo masculino, apresentando uma média de idade de 44,6 anos. As variáveis antropométricas como tamanho do pé, peso, altura e IMC, entre os grupos, não apresentaram diferença estatística. As cabeças dos metatarsais em ambos grupos se distribuíram em formato não retilíneo no plano coronal, seguindo a fórmula M1 M3 > M4=M5. O apoio distal do 1º raio apresentou uma posição mais plantar no grupo com metatarsalgia (p=0,000). CONCLUSÃO: As cabeças dos metatarsais em indivíduos com metatarsalgia e sem deformidade em valgo do 1º dedo, se alinharam no plano coronal de modo que M1 M3 > M4=M5, sendo M1 < M3, M1 < M4 e o M1 < M5. As cabeças dos metatarsais em indivíduos sem dor, calosidades e deformidades no antepé, se alinharam no plano coronal de modo que M1 M3 > M4=M5, sendo M1 < M3 e M1=M4=M5. No plano coronal o ponto de apoio do M1 se posicionou mais plantar nos pés de indivíduos com metatarsalgia / INTRODUCTION: Many authors consider the differences in the relative length of metatarsals in the axial plane, the cause of inadequate load distribution during the gait, overloading the forefoot plantar structures, culminating with metatarsalgia. The realignment of the metatarsal formula is the goal of surgical treatment of this syndrome. However, many studies have shown a 15% rate of metatarsalgia recurrence after the reconstruction in the axial plane, questioning the importance of the metatarsal heads alignment in the coronal plane. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the alignment pattern of metatarsal heads in the coronal plane in individuals with and without metatarsalgia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study evaluated 106 individuals between 30 and 65 years old. They were divided in two groups of 106 feet each, one without foot pathologies and another group with metatarsalgia between the 2nd, 3rd and 4th metatarsals. The recruitment was performed at the IOT HC FMUSP for both groups, respecting the criteria of inclusion, exclusion and applying the Informed Consent Term. Individuals with midfoot, hindfoot and ankle deformities, patients with previous surgeries or fractures in the foot, rheumatologic diseases and osteoneuromuscular syndromes were not included. After the selection, the subjects were submitted to one weightbearing forefoot axial radiograph, evaluating the coronal plane in order to verify the heights of the metatarsals heads, and other weightbearing anteroposterior foot radiograph, determining the length of each ray. Statistical analysis was performed comparing the measurements between groups. RESULTS: A hundred six individuals were evaluated, forming two groups with 106 feet each. The group with metatarsalgia presented 34 male patients feet (32%), with a mean age of 49.5 years. Thirty-three feet with hallux valgus were identified in the metatarsalgia group. In the non-pathological group were found 54 male patients feet (51%), with a mean age of 44.6 years. Anthropometric variables such as foot size, body weight, height and BMI between the groups did not present statistical difference. The metatarsal heads in both groups were distributed in curved line in the coronal plane, following the formula M1 M3 > M4 = M5. The distal support of the 1st ray was positioned more plantar in the metatarsalgia group (p = 0.000). CONCLUSION: The metatarsal heads in individuals with metatarsalgia and no hallux valgus, were aligned in the coronal plane following this formula M1 M3 > M4 = M5, with M1 < M3, M1 < M4 and M1 < M5. The metatarsal heads in individuals without pain, callosities and forefoot deformities, were aligned in the coronal plane following the position M1 M3 > M4 = M5, with M1 < M3 and M1 = M4 = M5. In the coronal plane, the M1 weightbearing point was more plantar in the feet of individuals with metatarsalgia

Im Zuge systematisch durchgeführter thermografischer Untersuchungen an 95 Asiatischen Elefanten in europäischen Zoos konnten physiologische Wärmeprofile aller nicht von Fußkrankheiten betroffener Elefanten erstellt werden. Um eine objektivere Befundung zu ermöglichen, wurden dafür definierte Messbereiche an den Füßen festgelegt und deren Temperaturdaten als Wärmekurven für jeden Zeh dargestellt. Es zeigte sich, dass die Bandbreite von Temperaturen gleicher Messbereiche starken individuellen Schwankungen unterliegt, weshalb eine Befundung nicht anhand absoluter Temperaturwerte erfolgen sollte. So wurden über gleichen Messbereichen unterschiedlicher Elefanten Temperaturunterschiede von bis zu 8 °C festgestellt. Auch die Umgebungsfaktoren während der Untersuchung tragen zu dieser Varianz bei. Bei Umgebungstemperaturen zwischen 17,5 °C und 23 °C stellt sich durch Erhöhung der Außentemperatur um 1 °C eine um 0,5 °C erhöhte Wärmeabstrahlung über der Haut dar. Eine Erhöhung der Luftfeuchte um 1 % verursacht eine um 0,03 °C vermehrte Wärmeabstrahlung. Die Wärmeprofile stellten sich für die Kronsaum- und Hufwandbereiche der Zehen eines Fußes von medial nach lateral in einem parabelförmigen Verlauf dar, wobei die höchsten Temperaturen an den kranialen Zehen gemessen wurden. Die Differenz zwischen Kronsaum- und Hufwandbereichen blieb dabei konstant. Die Temperaturen der Zehenregion oberhalb des Kronsaums folgten nicht dieser Parabelform, lagen aber, außer an der jeweils medialen Seite, konstant unterhalb der Kronsaumtemperaturen. Bei Vergleich mit thermografischen Befunden erkrankter Zehen zeigte sich meist ein starker Anstieg der Zehenregiontemperatur weit über die Kronsaumtemperaturen hinaus, weshalb sich dieses Verhältnis als Indiz für ein akutes Enzündungsgeschehen nutzen lässt. Ein gleichmäßiges Wärmeprofil, welches möglichst dicht dem in dieser Arbeit entwickelten Profil gleicht und konstante Temperaturdifferenzen zwischen den einzelnen Messbereichen aufweist, ist ein gutes Indiz für einen gesunden Fuß. Thermografische Befundungen sollten immer mit Hilfe herkömmlicher visueller Auswertung und zusätzlich der Erstellung eines Wärmeprofils vorgenommen werden, um die Subjektivität zu minimieren. Erstmalig wurden in dieser Arbeit drei Elefanten mittels Pedografie untersucht, um Aufschlüsse über die Druckverteilung unter dem Elefantenfuß zu erhalten. Wie bei Menschen und pedografisch vermessenen Rindern fanden sich auch beim Elefanten charakteristische Druckprofile. Druckspitzenwerte tauchten hierbei vor allem im kranialen Bereich der Füße als Druckleiste, aber auch im kaudalen Bereich in Form zweier Druckpfeiler auf. Experimente mit einer Methode zur Simulierung weicheren Untergrundes schienen die Druckspitzenwerte etwas abzuschwächen und das allgemeine Druckprofil einzuebnen, waren aber nur schwer auszuwerten. Die Methode eignet sich ebenso zur Erfassung der tatsächlich belasteten Fläche der Füße, welche sich bei stärkerer Belastung, beispielsweise dreibeinigem Stehen, vergrößerte. Trotz noch einiger methodischer und technischer Probleme, eröffnet sich mit der Pedografie ein sicherlich lohnenswertes Forschungsfeld für weitere Studien, die einen besseren Einblick in die Druckphysiologie des Elefantenfußes gewähren könnten. Weiterhin wurden in dieser Arbeit Daten der Elefantenhaltungssysteme von 17 besuchten europäischen Zoos, sowie Daten über Häufigkeit und Art der Gliedmaßenkrankheiten und anderer gesundheitlicher Parameter aller 95 untersuchter Elefanten ausgewertet. Hierbei zeigte sich immer noch starker Verbesserungsbedarf im Hinblick auf Innengehegegrößen und die verwendeten Bodenmaterialien. Auch Bewegungsprogramme für den Aufenthalt im Außengehege wurden nur in weniger als der Hälfte der Zoos eingesetzt. Positiv fiel auf, dass die Elefanten in den besuchten Zoos kaum noch angekettet werden und falls doch, nur kurzzeitig zu Untersuchungszwecken. Den Daten der Haltungsanalysen entsprechend, fielen die Auswertungen zur Fußgesundheit aus: Nur 36 % der untersuchten Elefanten litten bisher noch niemals unter Fußerkrankungen. Allein zum Zeitpunkt der Untersuchung wurden bei 27 % der Tiere akute Erkrankungen festgestellt, die unter Behandlung standen. Hierbei handelte es sich hauptsächlich um Abszesse oder andere entzündliche Veränderungen im Bereich des Nagelbetts. Weiterhin wurden 30 % der Elefanten als übergewichtig eingeschätzt und 36 % der Tiere zeigten stereotype Bewegungsmuster. / A total of 95 Asiatic Elephants in 17 European zoos were systematically examined using a high resolution thermographic camera and physiologic heat profiles of elephant’s feet without known foot diseases were established. To allow a more objective evaluation of thermographic findings, the feet and toes were divided schematically into defined areas for measurement purposes, based on anatomical features for which the temperature data was then plotted to produce heat curves for each area. Measurements of temperatures pertaining to similar areas of different elephants showed strong individual fluctuation. Temperature variation was as high as 8 °C in similar areas between elephants. Thus, evaluation of thermographic findings should never be based on absolute temperature readings alone. This strong variation is partly caused by environmental factors during the examination. With environmental temperatures between 17,5 °C and 23 °C, a one degree increase of this temperature will cause a 0,5 °C increase of the heat radiation of the feet. An increase of air humidity by 1 % will cause an increase of 0,03 °C of the measured thermographical heat radiation. The physiological heat profiles for coronary and hoof wall areas of the toes showed an arched, parable-like shape when plotted from the medial over the cranial to the lateral toes. The highest temperature readings were found on the cranial toes. The difference between coronary and hoof wall temperatures of similar toes were constant all over the foot. The physiological heat profiles of the toe areas above the coronary region did not show this arched shape but stayed below the coronary temperature readings except on the medial toe. On comparison with thermographic findings of inflammated toes, a strong increase of this area above the coronary band was found which exceeded the temperature of the coronary region. This characteristic can be used as an indicator for acute inflammations. A regular heat profile, which resembles closely the physiological heat profile created in this study and which shows constant temperature differences between the defined areas of the single toes, is a good indicator of healthy foot. It is recommended that thermographic examinations always are evaluated using conventional observation of the heat patterns in conjunction with the additional creation of a heat profile to minimize subjectivity by the clinician. For the first time three elephants were examined in this study using a new pedographic method to gain information on the pressure distribution below the elephant’s foot. As found in humans as well as in pedographically examined cows, the pressure distribution in elephant’s feet showed a characteristic profile. Pressure peaks showed up especially in the cranial area of the foot, possibly the border between sole and pad, as well as in the caudal region in the shape of two pressure pillars. Experiments with a method to simulate softer ground seemed to lower the pressure peaks slightly in favor of a broader distribution, but were very difficult to evaluate, especially considering the small sample size. This method is also suited to register the actual area size put under pressure by the elephant, which was shown to rise under increased pressure, e. g. three legged standing. Despite some encountered methodical and technical problems, pedography of elephants is going to be a very promising field for further scientific studies in order to acquire more information on the physiology of pressure distribution. Data on husbandry conditions of the 17 visited zoos and as well as data on frequency and type of foot diseases and other health parameters of all 95 examined elephants were also collected and evaluated. A strong need for improvement was observed in terms of enclosure sizes and the surface materials used in indoor enclosures. Also, daily routines to increase activity of the elephants in the outdoor enclosures were found to be carried out only in half of the visited zoos. On a positive note, elephants in the evaluated zoos were hardly ever chained and if so, only for examination purposes. According to the data of the husbandry evaluation the information on the current status of foot health showed the need for improvement: Only in 36 % of the examined elephants foot problems were so far not encountered. On the time of examination 27 % of the animals were found to be under ongoing treatment for foot diseases. Mostly these were abscesses or other inflammation processes in the area of the nail’s laminar tissue. Out of the study sample, 30 % of the elephants were estimated to be overweight and 36 % showed stereotypic movement patterns.