Flatfoot Reconstruction Allograft vs Internal Brace - World Foot and Ankle Congress

Description

This presentation discusses the topic of flatfoot reconstruction, given at the World Foot and Ankle Congress organized by the charitable foundation Steps2Walk. The speaker, expressing gratitude to Mark Myerson for the invitation, outlines the surgical techniques for correcting flatfoot deformities, focusing on the comparison between allografts and synthetic internal braces in reconstruction procedures.



Key points include clarifying misconceptions regarding flatfoot deformities, emphasizing that they arise from failures in the medial soft tissues rather than osseous deficiencies. The presentation highlights the significance of surgical intervention methods, such as spring ligament reconstruction, and discusses the anatomy involved in the procedure, particularly the navicular cuneiform ligaments.



The speaker shares initial results from using allografts, noting their costs and variable quality, leading to a transition towards synthetic substitutes for surgery. The surgical technique is elaborately described, including the need for precise anatomical markings and ensuring adequate exposure for reconstruction. Results showed statistically significant improvements in radiological parameters and patient-reported outcomes when using synthetic ligaments versus allografts. In conclusion, addressing the inherent structural abnormalities is crucial for effectively correcting flatfoot deformities.

DOI: 10.1302/3114-220978

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