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Subject Area

Orthopedic Surgery

Article Type

Original Study

Abstract

Objective The aim of this work was to evaluate triple arthrodesis in the treatment of adolescent rigid flatfoot regarding clinical outcomes, radiological findings, and complications. Background Rigid flatfoot is a common foot complaint in the adolescent age group. Moreover, some severe, rigid flatfoot deformities are associated with tarsal coalitions. The results of the triple arthrodesis procedure were evaluated in severe, symptomatic rigid flatfoot in adolescents. Patients and methods A prospective study was conducted on 16 adolescent patients who underwent triple arthrodesis procedure for symptomatic rigid flatfoot between July 2019 and October 2020 with a minimum follow-up period of 6 months. They were evaluated clinically by the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hind foot score. Pain was evaluated by the visual analog scale (VAS). The radiological evaluation was made by the anteroposterior (AP) talar-first metatarsal angle (T1stMTA), AP talonavicular coverage, lateral T1stMTA, and lateral calcaneal pitch angle preoperatively and postoperatively. Result The mean age at the time of surgery was 16.5 years. Significant improvement was found in all radiographic measurements. Mean AOFAS and VAS were significantly improved at the time of last follow-up. The degree of satisfaction was evaluated using a scoring system by Coughlin, where 13 (81.2%) patients were excellent and three (18.8%) were good. Conclusions Triple arthrodesis is a good procedure for treatment of rigid flatfoot in adolescents regarding pain relief (VAS score), clinical outcomes (AOFAS), and radiological improvement in the following angles: AP T1stMTA, AP talonavicular coverage, lateral T1stMTA, and lateral calcaneal pitch angle.

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