title: Reconstruction of the symptomatic idiopathic flatfoot in adolescents and young adults.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The surgical indications, timing, and procedure for flexible flatfoot reconstruction in young patients remains controversial. This retrospective study reports the clinical results of reconstruction of flexible, idiopathic, symptomatic flatfoot in adolescent and young adults indicated for surgery by persistent pain and functional limitations. The hypothesis was that the results of these procedures allow patients to return to sports activities with minimal discomfort or pain.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixteen consecutive idiopathic flatfeet in ten patients with a mean age of 15.6 years at the time of surgery (range, 10 to 22) were assessed at a final followup visit at average of 5.2 (range, 2 to 10) years. Reconstruction included combined medializing calcaneal osteotomy and lateral column lengthening in all 16 patients. Flexor digitorum longus transfer (nine), medial column stabilization (eight), and gastroncnemius recession (eight) were carried out as needed. The AOFAS, SF-36, and FAOS questionnaires were completed. Sports activity and patient satisfaction were also assessed. Standard preoperative and postoperative radiographic parameters were measured.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean AOFAS score increased on average from 49.1 to 93.4. Only one patient reported a postoperative restriction in sports. The satisfaction level was excellent in 15 feet and good in one foot. Significant improvement in radiographic parameters was noted for the AP talonavicular coverage angle (p < 0.001) and lateral talar-first metatarsal angle (p < 0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Flexible flatfoot reconstruction in a cohort of symptomatic adolescent and young adult patients achieved a reduction of pain and improved functional outcome including the ability to participate in sporting activities.
authors.affiliation: Hospital For Special Surgery, New York City, NY 10021, USA. irvinoh@gmail.com
authors.forename: Irvin
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Oh
authors.forename: Benjamin R
authors.initials: BR
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.forename: Scott J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Ellis
authors.forename: Duck Joo
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Kwon
authors.forename: Jonathan T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Deland
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002111:Calcaneus / Q000601:surgery; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005413:Flatfoot / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000601:surgery; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures; D010027:Osteotomy; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013710:Tendons / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult