Arthroresis in flexible flatfoot comparative follow-up of two treatment: methods

Summary aim of this study was a retrospective analysis of the surgical treatment of symptomatic flexible flatfoot in infants and adolescents, with two different techniques of arthroresis. From 1992 to 1996 we performed arthroreses in 40 feet (25 patients); out of these, 20 were treated by an expanding endo-orthesis applied into the sinus tarsi, and the remainings by a dedicated conical cancellous talar screw applied into the lateral process of the talus. The mean patients' age and time of follow-up were 11 years and 32 months, respectively. Clinical evaluation as well as standing radiograph films and baropodometry were used pre- and postoperatively in both groups of treatment. Our study shows that both methods can give satisfying correction and good clinical results mid-term, without significant clinical radiographic or podometric differences.