Published in:
01-06-2018 | Original Paper
Does arthroscopic resection of a too-long anterior process improve static disorders of the foot in children and adolescents?
Published in: International Orthopaedics | Issue 6/2018
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Purpose
A too-long anterior process of the calcaneus is a common cause of pain and hind-foot instability. Our goal was to evaluate the early results of arthroscopic resection in terms of static foot disorders in children and adolescents.
Methods
We retrospectively studied 11 ft (10 patients). The inclusion criteria were treatment of TLAP by arthroscopic resection and a minimum follow-up period of six months. Surgery was indicated in cases with persistent symptomatic TLAP resistant to orthopaedic treatment.
Results
The mean age at surgery was 11 (range, 7–15) years. The mean follow-up duration was 15 (range, 8–28) months. Pre-operatively, we diagnosed four flat feet, two cavus feet and five feet with normal footprints, but loss of physiological hind-foot valgus. All patients presented with subtalar joint stiffness. At the last follow-up, four feet with no hind-foot valgus were normal, two were unchanged and the other feet had improved. The mean AOFAS increased from 61.9 (range, 47–73) to 89.1 (range, 71–97; P = 0.009). The mean radiological angles were near normal, exhibiting significant improvements in the lateral talo-metatarsal and Djian-Annonier angles.
Conclusions
Arthroscopic resection of a TLAP is safe. In the short term, the restoration of subtalar mobility reduces pain, and improves instability and static disorders. Longer follow-up of a larger patient series is required.