[The talus stop screw arthroereisis for flexible juvenile pes planovalgus]

Pain relief by realignment of the hindfoot and blocking excessive pronation through insertion of a screw into the lateral aspect of the calcaneus in juvenile pes planovalgus.

Symptomatic juvenile flatfoot (9-13 years).

Congenital, fixed and secondary (neuromuscular disorder) flatfoot deformities.

Incision at the lateral aspect of the sinus tarsi. Guide wire insertion into the lowest point of the lateral anterior calcaneus (fluoroscopy). Drilling (3.2 mm) and insertion of a 6.5-7.0 mm cancellous screw. The screw head impinges against the lateral aspect of the talus and prevents excessive eversion.

Compression dressing. Full weight bearing allowed. No sports activity for 4 weeks.

Between 2002 and 2011, the technique was used in 35 children (68 feet; mean age 10 years). Complications were peroneal spasms, overcorrections, wound healing problems and local tenderness. Tarsometatarsal and calcaneal pitch angle improved significantly. The procedure is a reliable method for the correction of flexible juvenile flatfeet allowing "growth adjustment" of the subtalar joint.