Does arthroscopic resection of a too-long anterior process improve static disorders of the foot in children and adolescents?

Int Orthop. 2018 Jun;42(6):1307-1312. doi: 10.1007/s00264-017-3740-7. Epub 2018 Jan 8.

Abstract

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.

Keywords: Arthroscopy; Tarsal coalition; Too-long anterior process.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Arthroscopy / methods*
  • Calcaneus / abnormalities
  • Calcaneus / surgery
  • Child
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Foot / surgery
  • Foot Diseases / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pain / etiology
  • Range of Motion, Articular / physiology
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Treatment Outcome