The sinus tarsis arthroereisis for the treatment of idiopatic flat feet. Calcaneal-stop Technique

Abstract

Objective: The surgical technique of Achilles tendon lengthening associated to sinus tarsus block, “calcaneo-stop”, described by Recaredo Alvares is presented and the results are revised. Methods: The authors presented twenty patients (40 feet) operated from October 1998 to February 2002 for correction of adynamic bilateral with calcaneous tendon shortening flatfeet valgus. Fifteen patients (75%) were male and five (25%) female with age from 6 to 11 years old (M=8). The Achilles tendon lengthening was performed associated with subtalar arthroereisis tapping a 4,5 mm cancelous screw on the sinus tarsus. The patients were evaluated pre and post-operatively using the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle and Hind foot score and measurement of radiographic parameters: calcaneus pitch, Kite angle and Meary - Tomeno lines. Results: Nineteen patients (95%) had excellent result and one (5%) regular. Conclusion: “Calcaneo-stop” technique normalized radiographic parameters and improved clinical and functional aspects.