Postural flaccid flat foot treatment through calcaneum slipping osteotomy

Abstract

The authors present the results obtained in the treatment of postural flaccid flat feet in 25 patients (50 feet), through the Koutsogiannis technique, to which has been added an inferior displacement of the osteotomised distal fragment of the calcaneum. The technique is presented in brief, and the data obtained are submitted to statistical analysis, which demonstrates the correction of the angular parameters. The final analysis, after an average follow-up of 7 years, showed 20 feet (40%) with excellent results, 26 feet (52%) with good results, and 4 feet (8%) with bad results. The authors suggest the use of the technique for the correction of postural flaccid flat foot deformities in patients over 7 years of age, considering its ease, low morbidity and good results. The postural flaccid flat foot is still a controversial pathology, subject to a wide range of approaches. Varying opinions are found for the determination of the pathology itself, its main deformities and the methods of treatment. 1–3 Nevertheless, a reduced number of patients with flaccid flat feet become symptomatic, with limitation of activity due to progressive functional insufficiency and to secondary deformities. 7 This paper is intended to show the results obtained from the surgical treatment of severe flaccid flat feet, according to the criteria determined by Bleck and Berzins. 1