Pediatric foot and ankle disorders

Abstract

Purpose of review Disorders of the pediatric foot and ankle are commonly evaluated and treated in the office setting. Most of these problems can be treated conservatively. This article reviews the current literature over the past year related to pediatric foot and ankle problems and their management. Recent findings The primary management of tarsal coalitions should always be conservative. The diagnosis of tarsal coalition is based on the history, physical examination, radiographs, and advanced imaging such as CT. Surgical correction is the last line of treatment. The standard of treatment for clubfoot deformities is conservative in the infant. There may be a relation between having a clubfoot and an ipsilateral limb length discrepancy. Physical examination will aid in screening for the need of limb equalization procedures in children with clubfeet. When surgical correction of talipes equinovarus is needed, the posterior capsule and the posterior talofibular ligament may not need to be released. Anatomic reduction of distal tibia physeal fractures should be attempted to diminish the chances of premature physeal closure. Summary The treatment of pediatric foot and ankle disorders continues to evolve, with further advancements in evaluation, imaging, and techniques reported in the growing body of published literature.