Flexible flatfoot in the childhood: negative influence of inappropriate footwear

An analysis was carried out in relation to the adverse effects produced by the use of inadequately made footwear in patients with flexible flat feet in pediatric ages; we carried out an anatomical-functional reminder of the foot as a basic structure for standing and walking. The functional adaptability of the feet was valued in those populations with the habit of walking barefoot, also making a description of the basic characteristics that a properly made footwear must have. We address the different therapeutic approaches and their behavior over time. We highlight the widespread use in our society of inappropriate footwear, mainly of the flip-flop type, and its negative influence on the feet of those children with flexible flat feet and valgus of the ankle.

Se llevó a cabo un análisis en relación a los efectos adversos producidos por el uso de calzados de confección inadecuada en los pacientes portadores de pies planos flexibles en edades pediátricas. Se realizó un recordatorio anatomo-funcional del pie como estructura básica para la bipedestación y la marcha. Se valoró la adaptabilidad funcional de los pies en aquellas poblaciones con hábito de andar descalzos, haciéndose, además, una descripción de las características básica que debe reunir un calzado adecuadamente confeccionado. Se abordó los diferentes enfoques terapéuticos y su comportamiento en el tiempo, destacando el uso generalizado en la sociedad cubana de calzados inapropiados, principalmente del tipo chancletas, y su influencia negativa sobre los pies de aquellos niños con pies planos flexibles y tobillo valgo.

Comparison of the effectiveness of two kinds of surgeries for treatment of flexible flatfoot combined with painful accessory navicular bone in children / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the effectiveness of subtalar arthroereisis (STA) combined with modified Kidner procedure versus STA alone in the treatment of flexible flatfoot combined with painful accessory navicular bone in children.@*METHODS@#The clinical data of 33 children with flexible flatfoot combined with painful accessory navicular bone who were admitted between August 2018 and August 2021 and met the selection criteria were retrospectively analyzed. They were divided into a combination group (17 cases, treated by STA combined with modified Kidner procedure) and a control group (16 cases, treated by STA alone) according to the surgical methods. There was no significant difference in baseline data between the two groups ( P>0.05), such as gender, age, affected side of the foot, disease duration, and preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score, talus-first metatarsal angle (T1MT), talus-second metatarsal angle (T2MT), talonavicular coverage angle (TCA), talus first plantar angle (Meary angle), calcaneal inclination angle (Pitch angle), and heel valgus angle (HV). The operation time, incision length, intraoperative blood loss, number of intraoperative fluoroscopies, and perioperative complications were recorded in both groups. The anteroposterior, lateral, and calcaneal axial X-ray films for the affected feet were taken regularly, and T1MT, T2MT, TCA, Meary angle, Pitch angle, and HV were measured. The VAS score, AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score were used to evaluate pain and functional recovery before and after operation.@*RESULTS@#Surgeries in both groups were successfully performed without surgical complication such as vascular, nerve, or tendon injuries. Less operation time, shorter incision length, less intraoperative blood loss, and fewer intraoperative fluoroscopies were found in the control group than in the combination group ( P<0.05). One case in the combination group had partial necrosis of the skin at the edge of the incision, which healed after the dressing change and infrared light therapy, and the rest of the incisions healed by first intention. All children were followed up 12-36 months, with a mean of 19.6 months. At last follow-up, VAS score and AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score significantly improved in both groups when compared with preoperative ones ( P<0.05), and the differences of these scores between before and after operation improved more significantly in the combination group than in the control group ( P<0.05). Imaging results showed that the T1MT, T2MT, TCA, Meary angle, and HV significantly improved in both groups at last follow-up when compared with preoperative ones ( P<0.05), and the Pitch angle had no significant difference when compared with preoperative one ( P>0.05). But there was no significant difference in the difference of these indicators between before and after operation between the two groups ( P>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Both procedures are effective in the treatment of flexible flatfoot children with painful accessory navicular bone. STA has the advantage of minimally invasive, while STA combined with modified Kidner procedure has better effectiveness.

Controversy of subtalar arthroereisis in symptomatic flatfoot / 中国骨伤

Flatfoot could be divided into flexible flatfoot and rigid flatfoot. Flatfoot with symptoms is called symptomatic flatfoot, surgical treatment is required if conservative treatment is not effective. Subtalar arthroereisis is a minimally invasive procedure which has been used for many years with good results in flexible flatfoot, however, still has many controversial points. Controversial points focus on indications and contraindications, optimal age, subtalar arthroereisis alone or not, efficacy and safety of absorbable material implants, and implant removal. The paper reviewed and summarized the use and controversies of subtalar arthroereisis in symptomatic flatfoot as follows:the best indication for subtalar arthroereisis was pediatric flexible flatfoot syndrome and aged from 10 to 12 years old was optimal age for treatment;tarsal coalitions with flatfoot and adult flatfoot were relative indications. Stiff flatfoot, joint laxity, and subtalar arthritis were contraindications;obesity and neurogenic flexible flatfoot were relative contraindications. The correction ability of subtalar arthroereisis alone was limited, and it's combined with other procedures depending on patient's situation. The safety and efficacy of absorbable material implants had been reported. Routine removal of the implant was not necessary, the main reason of which was tarsal sinus pain.

Evaluation of the Outcomes according to Etiology in the Pediatric Pes Planovalgus after Lateral Column Lengthening: By Radiologic and Pedobarographic Measurements / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: Pes planovalgus is one of the most common foot deformities among pediatric orthopedic diseases and is divided into idiopathic and neuromuscular planovalgus according to its etiology. This study evaluated the radiologic and pedobarographic outcomes of the treatment for pes planovalgus in children treated with lateral column lengthening, compared the outcomes according to the etiology, and investigated the correlation between the radiologic and pedobarographic findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-three patients (97 feet), who underwent lateral column lengthening, were divided into groups of 30 patients (47 feet) with neuromuscular disease and 33 patients (50 feet) with idiopathic etiology. The preoperative, immediately postoperative, 1 year, and 3 year follow-up radiographic measurements on the plain radiograph antero-posterior (AP) and lateral view were compared. In pedobarography, the foot pressures were subdivided into 4 areas to measure the contact time, contact area, peak pressure, and maximum force. The pre- and postoperative pedobarographic measurements were compared and the correlations between the radiographic and pedobarographic measurements were evaluated. RESULTS: The radiographic index at the 1st postoperative year and 3rd postoperative follow-up did not show significant differences according to the etiology. In pedobarography, idiopathic planovalgus showed a significant increase in the maximum force in the hindfoot and forefoot. The correlation between the radiologic findings and pedobarographic findings was statistically significant between the tibiocalcaneal angle in the lateral view and the maximum force, and the contact area of hindfoot on pedobarography, between tibiocalcaneal angle in the lateral view and the contact area of the toes in idiopathic planovalgus. In neuromuscular planovalgus, the peak pressure in the hindfoot had a strong negative correlation with talonavicular coverage angle in the AP view and talo-1st metatarsal angle, and the talohorizontal angle in the lateral view. CONCLUSION: Lateral column lengthening is an effective surgical procedure for flatfoot patients. On the other hand, the radiographic examination has limitations for accurate assessments of the postoperative results and prognosis. Qualitative and quantitative evaluations are available by pedobarography and it is a useful instrument for an evaluation of planovalgus when used in conjunction with radiography.

Eficacia del tratamiento ortopédico en pie plano flexible pediátrico: revisión sistemática / Eficacy of orthopediac treatment of flexible flatfoot in pediatrics: A systematic review

Introducción: El pie plano flexible es una de las entidades ortopédicas más frecuentes en Pediatría. Algunos autores lo consideran una variante anatómica. La incertidumbre en cuanto a su evolución y pronóstico, sumado a la preocupación y demanda por parte de los padres, hace que en muchas ocasiones se indique tratamiento ortésico. Metodología: se realizó una búsqueda sistemática en Medline, Lilacs, Cochrane y Google académico, usando los términos therapy, flatfoot, flatfeet, pie plano y pes planus; población hasta los 18 años, publicaciones hasta abril 2017 y restringiendo por idiomas español e inglés. Para el aná- lisis de los artículos se utilizaron la guía de lectura crítica del Hospital Garrahan y la escala de calidad metodológica JADAD. Resultados: de 778 artículos encontrados, 421 correspondían a pacientes con enfermedad de base, 194 evaluaban corrección quirúrgica, 144 eran descriptivos, 7 comparaban diferentes ortesis entre sí y 7 eran revisiones de trabajos. Finalmente fueron analizados 5 trabajos (cuatro ECCAs y un estudio de cohorte). De los 5 artículos, 2 poseían aceptable y muy buena calidad metodológica según la escala JADAD, ninguno demostrando diferencias significativas con el tratamiento ortésico. De los 3 restantes, sólo uno halló mejores resultados en cuanto al alivio del dolor y de la marcha combinando ortesis con ejercicios (RR 0.33 y 0.29 respectivamente). Conclusión: en base a esta revisión no hay evidencia científica que demuestre la eficacia del uso de ortesis para la corrección del pie plano flexible en la población pediátrica sana.(AU)

Introduction: Flexible flatfoot is one of the most common orthopedic findings in children. Some authors consider the entity to be a normal anatomical variant. Uncertainty regarding outcome and prognosis added to the worries and demands of the parents often results in the indication of orthotic treatment. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in Medline, Lilacs, Cochrane, and Google academics using the terms therapy, flatfoot, flatfeet, and pes planus; population up to 18 years of age, publications until April 2017, in Spanish and English. For the analysis of the articles the critical reading guidelines of Hospital Garrahan and the JADAD scale for methodological quality were used. Results: Of 778 articles found, 421 were related to patients with an underlying disease, 194 evaluated surgical correction, 144 were descriptive studies, 7 compared different orthosis, and 7 were review studies. Finally, 5 studies were analyzed (four randomized controlled trials (RCT) and one cohort study). Of the five studies, two were considered acceptable and of good quality on the JADAD scale. None of the studies showed significant differences with orthotic treatment. Of the three remaining studies, only one found better results regarding pain relief and gait improvement with orthosis combined with exercise (RR 0.33 and 0.29, respectively). Conclusion: Based on this review, there is no scientific evidence that shows efficacy of the use of orthosis for the correction of flatfoot in healthy children. (AU)

Gait Analysis of Symptomatic Flatfoot in Children: An Observational Study

BACKGROUND: Flatfoot deformity is a lever arm disease that incurs kinetic inefficiency during gait. The purpose of this study was to measure the degree of kinetic inefficiency by comparing the gait analysis data of a flatfoot group with a normal control group. METHODS: The patient group consisted of 26 children (21 males and 5 females) with symptomatic flatfoot. They were examined with gait analysis between May 2005 and February 2014. Exclusion criteria were patients with secondary flatfoot caused by neuromuscular disorders, tarsal coalition, vertical talus, or others. Patients' mean age was 9.5 years (range, 7 to 13 years). The gait analysis data of the study group and the normal control group were compared. RESULTS: The mean vertical ground reaction force (GRF) in the push-off phase was 0.99 for the patient group and 1.15 for the control group (p < 0.05). The mean ankle moment in the sagittal plane during the push-off phase was 0.89 for the patient group and 1.27 for the control group (p < 0.05). The mean ankle power in the sagittal plane during the push-off phase was 1.38 for the patient group and 2.52 for the control group (p < 0.05). The aforementioned results show that patients with pes planovalgus had a reduction of moment, power, and GRF in the push-off phase during gait. CONCLUSIONS: Symptomatic flatfeet had a moment inefficiency of 30% and power inefficiency of 45% during gait compared to feet with preserved medial longitudinal arches.

SHORT-TERM EFFECTIVENESS OF Hyprocure SUBTALAR STABILIZATION IN TREATMENT OF ADOLESCENT FLEXIBLE FLATFOOT / 中国修复重建外科杂志

CONCLUSIONS: Hyprocure subtalar stabilization is simple, effective for adolescent flexible flatfoot, the short-term effectiveness is good. But the indications should be strictly controlled, treatment should be individualized, corresponding auxiliary soft tissue and bone surgery is needed. The long-term effectiveness needs further follow-up.

Management of Flexible Flatfoot in Chidren and Adolescent / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Most children and adolescents with flexible flatfeet are asymptomatic and most do not require treatment. Scant convincing evidence exists to support the use of inserts or shoe modifications for effective relief of symptoms, and there is no evidence that those devices change the shape of the foot. Surgical correction is indicated for failure of prolonged nonsurgical attempts to relieve pain that interferes with normal activities and occurs under the medial midfoot and/or in the sinus tarsi. Osteotomies with supplemental soft-tissue procedures or arthroereisis are the suggested operative procedures for symptomatic flatfoot. An associated contracture of the heel cord is present in nearly all cases. Concurrent rigid forefoot supination deformity should be addressed as well.

Diagnostic Availability of Pedobarography and Correlation of Radiographic and Pedobarographic Measurements in Pediatric Flexible Flatfoot / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the diagnostic availability and to examine the co-relation between pedobaragraphy and radiography of pediatric flexible flatfoot. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventeen patients and ten normal children were studied. In radiographic evaluation, the talo-1st metatarsal angle was measured on anteroposterior radiographs; and the talo-1st metatarsal angle, the talo-horizontal angle, the calcaneal pitch, and the talocalcaneal angle were measured on lateral radiographs. In pedobarography, foot pressures were subdivided into eight areas for measurement of contact time, ratio of measured area and to investigate the relation between the degree of the medial deviation of the Center of pressure line and the radiographic measurements. RESULTS: Flat foot group and normal group showed statistically significant difference in every angle measured in lateral radiographs. The foot pressure ratios of the lateral sides in forefoot and the medial and lateral sides of midfoot and the medial side of hindfoot between the flexible flatfoot group and normal group showed statistically significant difference in pedobarography and ratio of contact area in forefoot and hindfoot showed significant change in statistics but no changes in contact time. The relation between pedobarography and radiography was investigated: foot pressure of the medial and lateral side of forefoot and the talocalcaneal angle showed significant relation in statistics and foot pressure of the medial and lateral side of mid foot and every angle measured in lateral radiographs showed significant relation in statistics. Contact time of midfoot and every radiographic value measured in lateral radiograph showed significant relation in statistics and contact area of forefoot and midfoot showed significant relation with every radiographic value measured in lateral radiographs. In addition, medial deviation of center of pressure line showed significant relation in statistics with talus-first metatarsal angle measured on anteroposterior radiographs and talo-horizontal angle and talus-first metatarsal angle measured on lateral radiographs. CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed correlation between radiologic methods and pedobarography in diagnosis of pediatric flexible flatfoot and pedobarography is an useful tool in quantitative and qualitative analysis of the degree of foot deformity and medial deviation of center of pressure line.

Operative Treatment of Adult Flexible Flatfoot with Young's Tenosuspension: Case Report / 대한족부족관절학회지

We present the case of an adult flexible flatfoot that was managed with dynamic and multiplarnar approaches which consist of Young's tenosuspension, Evans osteotomy, posterior tibialis tendon advancement with flexor digitorum longus tendon transfer and Lapidus procedure.

Adult Idiopathic Flexible Flat Foot Treated with Medial Sliding Calcaneal Osteotomy and Subtalar Arthroereisis: Report of 1 Case / 대한족부족관절학회지

There have been many reports about surgical treatments of flexible flatfoot in children and acquired adult flatfoot deformity due to posterior tibial tendon dysfunction common in the 5th and 6th decades. However there has been a controversy for surgical treatment guideline for painful idiopathic flexible flatfoot deformities in young adults. Therefore, we present a 27-year-old female with severe painful idiopathic flexible flatfoot who was treated with medial sliding calcaneal osteotomy and subtalar arthroereisis using Kalix(R) (Newdeal SA, Vienne, France) endoprosthesis and had good clinical outcome with high patient satisfaction at 10 months follow-up postoperatively.