Minimally invasive calcaneo-stop method for idiopathic, flexible pes planovalgus in children.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to correct heel valgus in children and to lift the longitudinal arch of the foot using a temporary cancellous screw placed percutaneously across the talocalcaneal articulation.


METHODS
From April, 1997, to June, 2003, 94 procedures were done on 48 children between the ages of 8 and 14 years. The Meary angle to determine the degree of collapse of the medial longitudinal arch was 170 degrees or less, and the weightbearing hindfoot was in valgus. Presumably, the screw achieves correction by stimulating the proprioceptive foot receptors allowing active inversion of the foot.


RESULTS
At 5 years followup, no serious complications occurred. The correction of the Meary angle on average was 17.10 +/- 5.51 degrees. In every foot, heel valgus and the longitudinal arch of the foot were improved radiographically and clinically without the loss of function. We removed the screws in all patients. In 91 feet, the arch of the foot and heel valgus remained in the corrected position.


CONCLUSIONS
The 'calcaneo-stop' method is a simple, effective, minimally invasive technique for the treatment of idiopathic, flexible pes planus in carefully selected pediatric patients.
Roth
Sandor
S
KBC Rijeka, Children Orthopedics, F.la Guardia 14, Rijeka 51000, Croatia. rothmed@ri.htnet.hr
Sestan
Branko
B
Tudor
Anton
A
Ostojic
Zdenko
Z
Sasso
Anton
A
Durbesic
Artur
A
D000293:Adolescent; D001863:Bone Screws; D002111:Calcaneus; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005413:Flatfoot / Q000601:surgery*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013628:Talus / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome