Osteotomies combined with soft tissue procedures for symptomatic flexible flatfoot deformity in children
Abstract Background: The indications for surgery, timing, and procedure in children with flexible flatfoot deformity remain controversial. For marked deformities, combined procedures are preferred to correct multiple plane deformities. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of osteotomies combined with soft tissue procedures in children with flexible flatfoot aged 9-14 years.Methods: From July 2014 to October 2017, 28 children (47 feet) with flexible flatfoot with an average age of 11.7±2.1 (range 9-14) years underwent osteotomy combined with soft tissue surgery. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score and Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) were used to evaluate the preoperative and postoperative clinical outcomes. The talo-navicular coverage angle (TNCA) and talar–first metatarsal angle (T1MA) on the foot anteroposterior view, calcaneal pitch angle and Meary’s angle on the foot lateral view, and calcaneus valgus angle (CVA) on the Saltzman view were also observed.Results: All patients were followed up for an average duration of 29.7±8.6 months. Mean AOFAS and FAOS significantly improved from 56.6±8.0 and 47.4±9.5 preoperatively to 88.4±3.9 and 83.2±6.8 at final follow-up (P<0.001). respectively. There were statistically significant differences between preoperative and postoperative scores in all FAOS subscales (P<0.001). Radiographic parameters, such as TNCA (P<0.001) and T1MT (P<0.001) on foot AP views, calcaneal pitch angle (P=0.014) and Meary,s angle (P<0.001) on foot lateral views, and CVA (P<0.001) on Saltzman views, were significantly improved. All patients and their parents were satisfied with the functional outcomes.Conclusion: Osteotomies combined with soft tissue procedures are an effective strategy for flexible flatfoot deformity in children, as it results in favorable radiographic and functional outcomes.