Percutaneous minimal invasive Achilles tendon lengthening improves clinical and radiographic outcomes in severe flexible flatfeet with shortened triceps sureae complex in early childhood: A retrospective study

Severe flexible flatfeet with triceps surae complex shortening are prognostically unfavorable in early childhood and may compromise normal foot development. This retrospective, IRB-approved study included 20 children (38 feet) under 6 years with severe flexible flatfeet and triceps surae complex shortening. Treatment included minimally invasive percutaneous achilles tendon lengthening followed by a 4-week cast fixation and corrective orthotic therapy under talo-navicular reposition for at least 6-months. Preoperative weightbearing x-rays and at the last available follow-up included anteroposterior talus-first metatarsal angle and lateral talus pitch, Meary’s and talocalcaneal angle and were compared to reference values. ROM, surgeon-rated clinical outcomes and complications/re-interventions were evaluated. Age at surgery was 3.7 years (1.3–5.9 y) and follow-up time was 4.3 years (1.1–8.9 y). No complications occurred. Clinical outcome was good (68 %) to very good (26 %). Ratio of normal angles increased significantly for three angles. Dorsiflexion ROM improved from −5.0 ± 6.8° at baseline to 15.7 ± 7.6°. With significant improvements in clinical and radiographic outcomes, minimal-invasive percutaneous Achilles tendon lengthening followed by orthotic therapy seems to be a valuable treatment option for selected preschool-aged patients with severe, flexible flatfeet with significantly shortened triceps surae. IV