ARTHROEREISIS FOR FLAT FEET

Having just submitted a critical review of the literature on the subject of arthroereisis to the prestigious journal "Foot & Ankle International" I remain encouraged about this procedure.  The main problems seem to be that people quote results relating to old fashioned implants and forget just how critical patient selection is.

As part of my own PhD research we assessing the outcomes of this procedure using properley validated tools.  Having completed over fifty cases (105 feet), so far I removed three because of pain.  In comparison with the alternative invasive surgical options I remain convinced that arthroereisis has a valuable place in the treatment of paediatric flat foot.

There is at last emerging evidence that this condition should not be considered as harmless and that lack of pain in children does not mean we can ignore the condition.

SM