title: Minimizing the role of fusion in the rigid flatfoot.
abstract: The goals of surgery for the rigid flatfoot are to achieve a painless, stable, functional plantigrade foot. Although triple arthrodesis affords predictable correction and pain relief, the long-term sequelae of extended hindfoot fusions include arthritis and often the need for further, more extensive fusion procedures. We propose that satisfactory results can be achieved in the rigid flatfoot by limiting fusion to joints that are arthritic, and correcting associated deformity with osteotomy and soft tissue reconstruction.
authors.affiliation: Coastal Orthopedics, 2376 Cypress Circle Suite 300, Conway, SC 29526, USA. rtaylor897@sc.rr.com
authors.forename: Ross
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.forename: V James
authors.initials: VJ
authors.lastname: Sammarco
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000843:Ankle Joint / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D001174:Arthrodesis / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005413:Flatfoot / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005531:Foot Deformities, Acquired / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D033023:Foot Joints / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000379:methods*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D011859:Radiography; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods; D020127:Recovery of Function; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D058971:Tenotomy / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome