Pediatric Flatfoot Reconstruction Surgery
Flatfoot Reconstruction Surgery Treatment, Symptoms, and Prevention
What Is Flatfoot Reconstruction Surgery?
Flatfoot reconstruction surgery includes a number of procedures to correct dysfunction and issues caused by flat feet.
- Bone cuts and realignment: This procedure (also referred to as osteotomy), involves surgicaly cutting and reshaping specific bones in the foot to correct the alignment. This will assist with redistributing weight across the foot (or feet) more evenly.
- HyProCure: This minimally invasive procedure known as HyProCure, involves placing a small titanium stent into the naturally occurring space between the ankle and heel bone to prevent abnormal motion that can cause flat feet.
- Joint fusion: Also known as arthrodesis, the surgeon will fuse two or more bones in the foot or ankle together. This will provide stability and reduce pain, but it can also reduce flexibility.
- Ligament reconstruction: This procedure involves repairing or replacing damaged ligaments in the foot to provide better support and alignment.
- Tendon repair and transfer: This involves repairing damaged tendons or moving a tendon from one part of the foot to another to improve its function and support the arch.
To determine which procedure is best for your child’s specific flat feet conditon, your pediatric podiatrist will first determine the underlying cause or causes of your child’s flat feet.
HyProCure is a minimally invasive procedure that involves inserting a small, titanium stent to help align the bones of the heel and ankle. Misalignment of these bones is what causes hyperpronation (flat feet) and gait abnormalities that lead to foot pain and fatigue.
Who Requires Flatfoot Reconstruction Surgery?
Although flat feet are common, flatfoot reconstruction surgery is not. It is typically reserved for patients whose condition causes chronic pain that does not improve with non-surgical (i.e. conservative) treatment.
Flat feet are common through at least age 3. If the condition persists after the child turns 3, your podiatrist may begin conservative treatment options, the most common being orthotics and calf stretches. However, it’s more likely the doctor will simply observe how the condition progresses until your child starts Kindergarten.
Only around 15 percent of children do not outgrow flatfoot. And even if they don’t, the vast majority do not require surgery.
What Happens When You Visit the Podiatrist?
To determine whether your child requires surgery – and what surgery they may need – Dr. Jarman conducts a clinical exam. He looks at the feet in both the standing and seated positions to help diagnose the underlying cause of your child’s condition.
While your child stands, Dr. Jarman looks at the position of the hindfoot, the degree of arch collapse, and any widening or splaying of the foot. He also realigns the arch manually to determine the amount of correction and how supple the hind- and forefoot are.
With your child in the seated position, Dr. Jarman examines the lower leg muscles, comparing range of motion with the knee bent versus straightened.
Alignment between hindfoot and forefoot is the main consideration in determining the correction best suited to resolve your child’s particular issue.
To determine whether flatfoot reconstruction surgery can help your child, schedule a consultation with Dr. Jarman today.
Dr. Jarman's ABFAS Certification
Dr. Mikkel Jarman, DPM, FACFAS, has received his Foot and Reconstructive Rearfoot/Ankle (RRA) Surgery board certification from the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ABFAS). This certification symbolizes the highest level of expertise that can be achieved in the foot and ankle profession, reflecting advanced proficiency and knowledge.
Your Child's Feet Are Designed For Life
