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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.
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.
