Outcomes of subtalar arthroereisis for the planovalgus foot.

Chronic pain and gait disturbance are possible complications of subtalar arthroereisis. Despite literature indicating a considerably high rate of such complications, subtalar arthroereisis continues to be commonly performed for children with pes planus. The goals of this study are to identify common presenting features and an approach to the treatment of foot pain after subtalar arthroereisis. This case report includes six feet in which subtalar implants were used to treat flatfoot deformities in children. After failing conservative management for chronic postoperative pain, all patients had their implants removed resulting in relief of pain. The expedited removal of subtalar implants in cases of chronic foot pain after arthroereisis is encouraged. The authors do not recommend the use of subtalar arthroereisis in pes planus given its potential complications and literature review indicating a paucity of cases with improved function and activity level as a result of the procedure.

Use of radioisotope bone scans in children with obscure foot pain.

Foot pain in pediatric patients often presents as a diagnostic challenge. Studies in adults with foot pain have shown that bone scans are valuable diagnostic tools, especially in instances in which clinical evaluation and conventional radiography have failed to provide a clear answer. To our knowledge, no similar investigation has ever been conducted in the pediatric population. The objective of this study was to determine the utility of bone scans as a diagnostic tool for children with foot pain of unclear etiology. Our secondary objective was to determine whether obtaining a bone scan, in fact, alters the treatment plan of such patients. Chart review was done, documenting the prebone scan versus post bone scan diagnosis and treatment plans. We found that bone scans were diagnostically useful in 38 of 49 [77.6%, 66-87, 90% confidence interval (CI)] cases, helping to establish new diagnoses in 31 of 49 (63%, 51-75, 90% CI) cases, and directing the treatment of children with clinically unclear foot pain in 31 of 49 (63%, 51-75, 90% CI) cases. We conclude that children between the age of 2 and 11 years who present with unilateral or bilateral foot pain of unclear clinical etiology, with a normal or inconclusive radiograph and physical examination, and who had no previous magnetic resonance imaging and/or computed tomography scan, may benefit from the use of a bone scan to guide diagnosis and treatment.