Structural Effect of Long-Term Use of Medial Arch Support Insole on Children with Pediatric Flexible Flatfoot

CATEGORY: Midfoot/Forefoot INTRODUCTION/PURPOSE: This prospective study aimed to rule out the effect of the normal physiologic maturation in applying medial arch support insole for patients with pediatric flexible flatfoot (PFFF). METHODS: From January 2005 to June 2015, 18 patients (34 feet) in group 1 (insole was continuously applied) and 16 patients (32 feet) in group 2 (untreated group) were enrolled. A medial arch support insole was applied from age 10-11 years until radiographic physeal closure. RESULTS: In group 1, the talonavicular coverage angle, lateral talo-first metatarsal angle, calcaneal pitch angle, and medial cuneiform height were significantly changed at final follow-up, although all values were still within the abnormal range. Moreover, no significant differences were found in any of the increments of the radiographic parameters between groups 1 and 2. CONCLUSION: Radiographic improvements were found in both medial arch support insole-treated and untreated groups even if all radiographic values were still within the abnormal range. This means that PFFF could be somehow improved with heel stretching exercise until the physes were closed. Further, hindfoot alignment remained unchanged regardless of the medial arch support insole application.