Subtalar extra-articular screw arthroereisis for the treatment of flexible flatfoot in children

Background Subtalar arthroereisis has been described as a minimally invasive, effective, and low-risk procedure for the treatment of flatfoot in children.Purpose To test the effectiveness of subtalar extra-articular screw arthroereisis procedure as a corrective measure for flexible flatfoot (FFF) in children.Patients and methods From 2012 till 2014, 12 feet of eight children with FFF were treated with subtalar extra-articular screw arthroereisis at Banha University and Banha Insurance Hospitals. With a mean age of 10.5 years and ranges between 5 and 16, five male and three female patients were selected and were required to follow-up every 18 months (range, 15–27 months).Results This technique offered worthy results to correct idiopathic flatfoot in children, due to its less invasive and less damaging nature for the structures of the sinus tarsi. On the basis of clinical inspections and radiographic measurements, there was clear improvement of foot function.Conclusion Subtalar arthroereisis is an effective procedure for FFF correction as it is simple and can be performed rapidly. Additionally, the screws mechanical and proprioceptive effect result in notable correction of the deformity.