Outcomes of the calcaneo-stop procedure for the treatment of juvenile flatfoot in young athletes

Purpose Flexible flatfoot (FFF) is a widespread condition in juvenile patients. If symptomatic, FFF can require surgical treatment. The calcaneo-stop procedure has shown excellent clinical and radiographic outcomes and low rates of complications. The aim of the present study was to assess the sport practice of young athletes affected by FFF having undergone the calcaneo-stop procedure. Methods Between 2008 and 2016, 68 sport practitioners were bilaterally treated by the calcaneo-stop procedure, for a total of 136 FFF cases. Clinical evaluation, including the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS), the Yoo et al score and The Foot & Ankle Disability Index (FADI) and FADI Sport scores were assessed. Radiographic evaluation was based on measurement of talar declination, Costa-Bertani’s angle and calcaneal pitch. Results Mean follow-up was 57.6 months (SD 16.8). The AO-FAS score mean increased from 79.3 (SD 5.7) to 97.3 (SD 4.5) three years after surgery. The Yoo score improved from 3.1 (SD 1.0) preoperatively to 11.7 (SD 0.6) three years after surgery. The FADI Sport subscale mean improved from 74.1 (SD 10.4) preoperatively to 95.9 (SD 4.9) three years after surgery. Costa-Bertani’s angle decreased from 156.1° (SD 4.2°) to 135.8° (SD 7.3°) at three years postoperatively; mean talar declination angle decreased from 44.2° (SD 6.3°) to 30.6° (SD 3.2°) at three years postoperatively and mean calcaneal pitch increased from 12.6° (SD 2.3°) to 16.3° (SD 1.3°) at three years postoperatively. Conclusion Adolescent patients who underwent the calcaneo-stop procedure reported satisfactory outcomes in terms of clinical and radiological evaluations. Moreover, our results showed an improvement of sport activity levels, with patients recovering sports activity within three months of surgery and without limitation in the execution of preferred activities.