PEDIATRIC FLEXIBLE VALGUS FLATFOOT CORRECTION BY ARTHROEREISIS

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Pediatric Orthopedics
• Podiatry

Background:

• Flexible valgus flatfoot is a common pediatric condition causing pain and mobility issues.
• Current treatments aim to correct the abnormal foot alignment and alleviate symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effectiveness of arthroereisis with synthetic polyethylene implants for correcting flexible valgus flatfoot in children.
• To evaluate clinical and radiographic outcomes following the surgical procedure.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective study included 20 pediatric patients (23 feet) aged 5-14 with flexible valgus flatfoot.
• Surgical intervention involved implanting synthetic material into the sinus tarsi.
• Clinical and radiographic assessments used Valenti podoscopic classification and American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society criteria.

Main Results:

• Arthroereisis with synthetic material yielded satisfactory results, with 91% of cases showing clinical and radiographic improvement.
• Significant correction of angles and reduction in deformity degrees were observed.
• The Bordelon and Pitch angles were identified as significant predictors of successful deformity correction (p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

• Arthroereisis using synthetic polyethylene implants is an effective surgical technique for treating symptomatic pediatric flexible flatfoot.
• The procedure offers substantial improvement in foot alignment and patient symptoms.