Comparison of Extraosseous Talotarsal Stabilization Implants in a Stage II Adult-Acquired Flatfoot Model: A Finite Element Analysis

Subtalar arthroereisis has been proved to be an efficient method for correcting flexible adult flatfoot. However, the optimal sinus tarsi implant is still debated and yet to be determined. In the present study, we compared the biomechanical effects of type I and II sinus tarsi implants in stage II adult-acquired flatfoot deformity (AAFD). First, a finite element model of stage II AAFD was established in which virtual surgery of subtalar arthroereisis was simulated. The indexes of plantar stress distribution, peak von Mises of the medial and lateral columns, strain of the medial ligaments and plantar fascia, arch height, talo-first metatarsal angle, calcaneus pitch angle, talonavicular coverage angle, and hindfoot valgus angle were all compared and analyzed. The results of the present study have validated the stage II AAFD finite element model by comparing the simulation results with the same parameters measured from weightbearing radiographs in the midstance phase. All the indexes showed that both types of arthroereisis can lower the plantar pressure and the strain of the medial ligaments that support the medial longitudinal arch and can shift the load of the medial column to the lateral column. They can also help to correct the deformity and restore the arch. However, the type II sinus tarsi implant design exhibited a more obvious effect than that of type I.