The stop screw technique--a simple and reliable method in treating flexible flatfoot in children.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the stop screw method inserted with a minimal invasive technique in the treatment of flexible flatfoot in children.


METHODS
We evaluated the results in a series of 21 flat feet in the age group ranging from 8 to 14 years between 1999 and 2007. The correction was evaluated clinically by assessment of heel valgus angle, range of motion of the ankle joint, and the photopodographic grading. The radiological assessment was performed by measuring the talonavicular angulation (Meary's line).


RESULTS
At time of follow-up there was significant improvement in the heel valgus angle during rest and during tiptoe standing, significant improvement in the dorsiflexion from neutral position, and in podographic grading. Radiologically talonavicular angulation improved significantly from 162+/-8.9 degrees preoperatively to 174+/-5.8 degrees postoperatively.


CONCLUSIONS
We can conclude that subtalar arthroereisis is relatively simple, effective, and minimally invasive procedure in treating flexible flatfoot in pediatric age.
Johanna-Etienne Hospital, Neuss, Germany. j.jerosch@jek-neuss.de
Joerg
J
Jerosch
Jochem
J
Schunck
Hazem
H
Abdel-Aziz
D000293:Adolescent; D001863:Bone Screws; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005413:Flatfoot / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation*; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016474:Weight-Bearing / Q000502:physiology