Traditionally, when state IV severity occurs in flat foot patients, surgeons perform either ankle replacement or ankle fusion. However, these techniques can be harmful, as the fusion removes motion in the ankle.
The surgery technique was performed on five patients, the mean age being 67, who were monitored over nine years. Patients reported the ability to walk an average of 25 blocks at a time after the surgery. Patients also reported the ability to exercise regularly on a treadmill and engage in playing sports.
Additionally, X-rays performed nine years after the surgery showed improvement in the ankle alignment. None of the patients reported having arthritis at the study’s end.
A paper regarding these findings was presented on July 8 at the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society’s annual summer meeting.
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