Flat Feet Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Flat Feet, including details on flatfoot, fallen arches, children, treatment, arthrodesis.

The surgical management of equinus in the adult acquired flatfoot.

Meszaros A, Caudell G

Private Practice Ashland/Mansfield Foot and Ankle Specialists, 550 South Trimble Road, Mansfield, OH 44906, USA. ameszaros1@gmail.com

Ankle joint equinus plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of adult and pediatric flatfoot. The surgical management of ankle equinus is a widely debated topic, and procedure selection is often based on surgeon preference because there is no consensus regarding the superiority of a single procedure. Gastrocnemius recession offers acceptable cosmesis and minimizes perceived weakness, yet requires increased operating time and is indicated only in mild to moderate contractures. Whereas tendo-achilles lengthening is efficient and technically undemanding, and one may achieve large amounts of required length, final length is sometimes unpredictable and may markedly decrease posterior muscle group strength.

Published 2 October 2007 in Clin Podiatr Med Surg, 24(4): 667-85, viii.
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