Specialty Day 2020 - Paper Presentations-Radiographic Outcomes after Flexible Flatfoot Reconstruction with and without Spring Ligament Reconstruction

Radiographic Outcomes after Flexible Flatfoot Reconstruction with and without Spring Ligament Reconstruction

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In this video, the presenter, Jessica Coring, thanks the AOFAS and Academy for giving her group the opportunity to present their research on radiographic outcomes after flexible flatfoot reconstruction with and without spring ligament reconstruction. The research was conducted at the University of Rochester, and there are no disclosed conflicts of interest. The Spring Ligament Complex, also known as the calcaneonavicular ligament, is important for stabilizing the medial longitudinal arch. Failure of this ligament can lead to acquired flatfoot deformity. The optimal surgical treatment for adult acquired flatfoot deformity is still debated. This study aimed to determine the impact of spring ligament reconstruction on postoperative radiographic outcomes. A retrospective review was conducted over 12 years, analyzing weight-bearing radiographs before and after surgery. Three groups were analyzed: no spring ligament addressing, direct repair with suture, and spring ligament reconstruction with a suture tape device. The study included 82 patients and 84 feet. The results showed that both the spring ligament repair and reconstruction groups had significant postoperative radiographic improvements compared to the group without spring ligament repair. No differences were found between the two repair or reconstruction techniques. Overall, the study supports spring ligament repair or reconstruction in flexible flatfoot reconstruction for stage 2 adult acquired flatfoot deformity. Future research directions include examining patient-reported outcomes, longer-term follow-up on radiographic outcomes, and conducting randomized controlled trials.

Asset Subtitle

Jessica M. Kohring, MD; Ashlee MacDonald, MD; Steven Karnyski, MD; Irvin Oh, MD; Judith F. Baumhauer, MD, MS, MPH; John P. Ketz, MD; Adolph S. Flemister, MD

Keywords

radiographic outcomes

flexible flatfoot reconstruction

spring ligament reconstruction

calcaneonavicular ligament

adult acquired flatfoot deformity