title: Minimally invasive calcaneo-stop method for idiopathic, flexible pes planovalgus in children.
abstract: 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.
authors: KBC Rijeka, Children Orthopedics, F.la Guardia 14, Rijeka 51000, Croatia. rothmed@ri.htnet.hr
authors: Sandor
authors: S
authors: Roth
authors: Branko
authors: B
authors: Sestan
authors: Anton
authors: A
authors: Tudor
authors: Zdenko
authors: Z
authors: Ostojic
authors: Anton
authors: A
authors: Sasso
authors: Artur
authors: A
authors: Durbesic
mesh_terms: 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