Pediatric Flatfoot Reconstruction
Flat feet are hereditary and are caused by a
muscle imbalance. Feet with low, relaxed arches may bring on such
problems as hammertoes and bunions; arch, foot and leg fatigue; calf
pain; and an overly tight heel cord. There are a wide range of treatment
options from orthotics to reconstructive surgery depending on the
severity of symptoms.
Because children's feet are flexible and
tolerate bracing well, orthotic devices are usually recommended as a
first line of treatment for flatfeet. However, if the pediatric patient
still complains of symptoms, surgery may be an option.
Recent medical advances have developed new
techniques in pediatric flatfoot surgery by implanting a small device
that supports the arch and realign joints in children. The subtalar MBA
implant is a small threaded titanium implant, which is inserted into the
subtalar joint. It is designed to block excessive pronation of the
subtalar joint to realign the foot, thus allowing normal joint motion
and an improved arch.
After surgery, the foot will be bandaged. In most cases, patients are
placed into a camwalker boot with crutches to assist in walking for the
following 4 weeks and back to normal activity with sneakers and
orthotics.