Surgical treatment of idiopathic pes planovalgus in paediatric patients

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Pediatric orthopedics
• Foot and ankle surgery

Background:

• Idiopathic pes planus is a common condition, often physiologic in children.
• Decompensation of flat feet can be subtle, complicating surgical treatment decisions.
• Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective intervention in pediatric flatfoot cases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline diagnostic considerations for pediatric idiopathic pes planus.
• To review surgical options for correcting foot deformities.
• To emphasize patient selection criteria for surgical intervention.

Main Methods:

• Physical examination in supine position to assess deformity.
• Evaluation of patient age and deformity reducibility.
• Review of surgical techniques including repositioning, osteotomies, and fusions.

Main Results:

• Surgical success depends on achieving full architectural correction.
• Procedure selection is guided by patient age and deformity characteristics.
• Preserving joint lines and correcting triceps surae contracture are key.

Conclusions:

• Careful physical examination is essential for surgical planning in pediatric pes planus.
• Tailoring surgical procedures to individual patient factors ensures optimal outcomes.
• Addressing associated conditions like triceps surae contracture improves surgical results.