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Patient Education
Flatfoot Reconstruction
"TRANSFORMING FEET FOR HEALTH, FITNESS, AND FASHION"
ADULT 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.
Reconstructive surgery of the foot consists of complex surgical repairs that may be necessary to regain function or stability, reduce pain, and prevent further deformity. Reconstructive surgery in many of these cases may require tendon repair or transfer, fusion of bone, joint implantation, bone grafting, skin or soft tissue repair, and incision into bones in a precise fashion to realign them in a better position for function.
As with anyone facing any surgical procedure, those undergoing foot surgery require specific tests or examinations before surgery to obtain a successful surgical outcome. Prior to surgery, we will review your medical history and medical conditions. Specific diseases, illnesses, allergies, and current medications need to be evaluated. Other tests that help evaluate your health status that may be ordered are x-rays, CT scans, MRI, and blood flow studies. A consultation with another medical specialist may be required before surgery.
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 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.