The role of arthroereisis of the subtalar joint for flatfoot in children and adults

Abstract

▪ Subtalar arthroereisis has been reported as a minimallyinvasive, effective and low-risk procedure in the treatment of flatfoot mainly in children but also in adults. ▪ It has been described as a standalone or adjunctive procedure, and is indicated in the treatment of flexible flatfoot, tibialis posterior tendon dysfunction, tarsal coalition and accessory navicular syndrome. ▪ Different devices for subtalar arthroereisis are currently used throughout the world associated with soft-tissue and bone procedures, depending on the surgeon rather than on standardised or validated protocols. ▪ Sinus tarsi pain is the most frequent complication, often requiring removal of the implant. ▪ To date, poor-quality evidence is available in the literature (Level IV and V), with only one comparative non-randomised study (Level II) not providing strong recommendations. Long-term outcome and complication rates (especially the onset of osteoarthritis) are still unclear.