The Flatfoot in Collapse Needs Stability and That is Why I Fuse It

Abstract

The pathophysiology and treatment of the adult-acquired flatfoot is still quite controversial. Soft tissue reconstruction and tendon transfer surgery combined with corrective osteotomy for flexible deformities are well established in the literature. However, patients with signs of hindfoot osteoarthritis, rheumatological or neurological diseases, and obesity can benefit from surgical correction with arthrodesis because of greater outcome predictability. Various types of arthrodesis, including isolated, triple, double, or segmental procedures, have been described to treat this deformity. We will discuss the events leading to the progressive collapse of the medial arch and distinguish between patients who could benefit from reconstruction with arthrodesis from those who cannot, as well as the indications for these technical options. Level of Evidence: Diagnostic Level V. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.