Plantar Pressure and Radiographic Changes After Distal Calcaneal Lengthening in Children and Adolescents

Abstract

Summary:

Eleven feet (nine patients) with symptomatic flatfoot deformities of various etiologies that had failed nonoperative treatment underwent distal calcaneal lengthenings. Pre-and postoperative plantar pressure measurements and radiographic parameters were compared and a postoperative clinical evaluation was performed using the AOFAS ankle and hindfoot scoring system. Follow-up ranged from 4 to 20 months (mean, 11.1 months). Plantar pressure parameters including contact area, mean, and peak pressures indicated significant lateral shifts in the weight-bearing surface of the foot. The most significant radiographic changes were an improvement in the talonavicular coverage angle (mean, 17.3°) on the anteroposterior view and an improvement in the talo-first metatarsal angle (16.2°) on the lateral view. The average postoperative American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society score was 90 with seven excellent, three good, and one poor results.