Subtalar arthroereisis is a non-fusion surgical treatment of pediatric symptomatic flexible flatfoot (pes planus). The procedure involves the insertion of an implant into the subtalar joint to correct excessive hindfoot eversion.
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Procedure
There are two techniques for subtalar arthroereisis1:
an implant is placed in the tarsal sinus to prevent the collapse of the talus
a screw is inserted into the lateral side of the talus or calcaneus to correct the foot to a neutral position (the screw head sits on the subtalar joint to prevent eversion)
Implants are usually made of metal or resorbable poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA).
Subtalar arthroereisis is often performed with other procedures, such as tendon transfers, tendon reconstructions, and osteotomies 1.
Complications
Complications include 1:
soft tissue irritation or pain
malcorrection
peroneal contractures
wound infections
4th metatarsal stress fractures
screw loosening
History and etymology
The procedure was first described by E F Chambers in 1946 2.