[Reflections concerning the radiological assessment of static flat foot in the child (author's transl)]

After a precise review of the numerous parameters studied classically in AP and lateral films of the feet under load, the authors emphasis 5 measurements which are easy to determine and which they feel to objectively cover all the deformities which may be found in the static flat foot. These are: Talo-calcaneal divergence in AP and lateral views, the angle between the calcaneum and the floor, the lateral cavitation index and, finally, the angle of the axis of the talus and of the 2nd metatarsal in AP. A score of 20 is attributed to each. A score of 0 to 20 is attributed to each of these points, with a possible total, therefore, of 100. A study of 119 cases of flat foot in the child treated surgically over a period of 6 years made it possible to draw the distinction between the severe flat foot requiring operation and with a total of less than 45 points, and flat foot requiring medical orthopaedic treatment only (more than 45), the score for the normal foot being of the order of 90 points. This radiological study also makes it possible to distinguish, amongst flat feet in children, straight flat foot with collapse of the medial arch but no valgus of the forefoot and valgus flat foot where there is pronation of the calcaneum and abduction of the forefoot. This distinction is important since it determines the choice of operation. Thus in a case of valgus flat foot Judet's so-called "horseman" operation is indicated whilst in a flat foot without valgus, transposition of the tibialis anterior is preferable. In many cases, the lesion is mixed and both surgical gestures are required.