Information for Patients

From the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

Flatfoot

by Vincent S. Mosca, MD

Flatfoot is the term used to describe a weight-bearing foot shape in which the hindfoot is in valgus alignment, the midfoot sags in a plantar direction with reversal of the longitudinal arch, and the forefoot is supinated in relation to the hindfoot. There is no agreement on strict clinical or radiographic criteria for defining a flatfoot. Therefore, the point beyond which a foot with a low normal arch becomes defined as a flatfoot is unknown. Nonsurgical treatment options include education, orthotics, and achilles tendon stretching programs.

This article reviews the pathophysiology and clinical presentation of flatfoot and reviews considerations in mangement. The specfic surgical technique of calcaneal lengthening osteotomy is discussed in detail in this article.

Keywords: incidence, classification, flexible flatfoot, rigid flatfoot, diagnosis, patient history, physical examination, imaging, radiography, differential diagnosis, management, nonsurgical treatment, orthotics, exercise, surgical treatment, surgical techniques, indications, contraindications, calcaneal lengthening osteotomy, complications, outcomes, rehabilitation

If you are an AAOS Member or an OKO subscriber, you can view this topic after log in.

If you are a health care professional who is not an AAOS Member or OKO subscriber, you can get more information about subscribing here. Information for patients and the general public can be accessed through the links in the gray box above.

Back to Menu