Tibialis anterior rerouting combined with calcaneal lengthening osteotomy as a single-stage reconstruction of symptomatic flexible flatfoot in children and adolescents

BACKGROUND: Symptomatic flexible flatfoot in children and adolescents should be surgically managed only if conservative measures have failed. The aim of this study was to assess functional and radiological results of tibialis anterior rerouting combined with calcaneal lengthening osteotomy as s single-stage reconstruction of symptomatic flexible flatfoot. METHODS: The current study was a prospective study of patients with symptomatic flexible flatfoot treated by single-stage reconstruction in the form of tibialis anterior tendon rerouting combined with calcaneal lengthening osteotomy. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score (AOFAS) was utilized to evaluate the functional outcomes. The evaluated radiological parameters included the standing anteroposterior (AP) and lateral talo-first metatarsal angle, talar head coverage angle, and calcaneal pitch angle. RESULTS: The current study included 16 patients (28 feet) with a mean age of 11.6 ± 2.1 years. There was a statistically significant improvement in the mean AOFAS score from 51.6 ± 5.5 preoperatively to 85.3 ± 10.2 at final follow-up. Postoperatively, there was a statistically significant reduction in the mean AP talar head coverage angle from 13.6 ± 4.4° to 3.9 ± 3°, the mean AP talo-first metatarsal angle from 16.9 ± 4.4° to 4.5 ± 3.6°, and the mean lateral talo-first metatarsal angle from 19.2 ± 4.9° to 4.6 ± 3.2°, P < 0.001. Additionally, the mean calcaneal pitch angle increased significantly from 9.6 ± 1.9° to 23.8 ± 4.8°, P < 0.001. Superficial wound infection occurred in three feet and was treated adequately by dressing and antibiotics. CONCLUSION: Symptomatic flexible flatfoot in children and adolescents can be treated with combined lateral column lengthening and tibialis anterior rerouting with satisfactory radiological and clinical outcomes. Level of evidence Level IV.