Arthrorisis with calcaneostop screw in children corrects Talo-1st Metatarsal-Index (TMT-Index).

BACKGROUND: Arthrorisis (other terms: Arthrorhisis or Arthroreisis) with calcaneostop screw is one option for the treatment of flatfoot (Pes abductoplanovalgus) in children. The aim of the study was to analyze the amount of correction (for example Talo-1st Metatarsal-Index (TMT-Index)) and clinical outcome including pedographic assessment.

METHODS: In a prospective consecutive non-controlled clinical follow-up study, all patients that were treated with arthrorisis with calcaneostop screw from September 1st 2006 to August 31st, 2009 were included. One foot was operated at a time, and the contralateral foot was operated 3 months later if indicated. Postoperatively, 15 kg partial weight-bearing was performed for 6 weeks. The screws were removed after 2-year-followup. Assessment was performed before surgery, at two-year-followup, and at 2.5-year-followup. The assessment staging of posterior tibialis insufficiency, radiographs with full weight bearing (TMT-Index), pedography, and Visual-Analogue-Scale Foot and Ankle (VAS FA).

RESULTS: 18 patients/31 feet were included in the study (age, 10.6 [8-12], 45% male). No complications were observed. In comparison with the preoperative parameters, the parameters posterior tibialis insufficiency stage, percentage of increased pedographic midfoot contact area and force were decreased, and TMT dorsoplantar/lateral/Index and VAS FA scores were increased at both followups (each p<.05). The parameters did not differ between followups (each p ≥.4).

CONCLUSIONS: All relevant parameters (stage of posterior tibialis insufficiency, TMT dorsoplantar/lateral/Index, pedographic midfoot contact area and force, VAS FA) improved after arthrorisis with calcaneostop screw (before and after screw removal) in pes abductoplanovalgus in children. Since the complication rate is very low, this method allows safe and predictable correction.