Adult and Pediatric Deformity Correction

“I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust
my sails to always reach my destination – J. Dean

Let’s face it, we are often more like our parents than sometimes we wish to be, especially when it come to the shape and architectural makeup of our feet. This can especially be true when it comes to the formation of bunion deformities.

A bunion typically appears as a large and painful bump on the side of the great toe which is often exaggerated by the big toe leaning towards the second toe. If you suffer from this kind of deformity you are not alone, as this can affect up to 30% of adults. But what really causes this deformity and is there anything that can be done to change it for the better?

Download the Your Bunion Guide PDF

Adult and Pediatric Deformity Correction

Flatfoot is a term used to describe a collapsed arch. Medically, the term is pes planovalgus (for a flattened foot that is pushed outwards). There are varying degrees of ‘flatness.’ While some flat feet are not problematic at all, there are those that are painful and can cause significant discomfort and have a big impact on one’s ability to be active.

There are two kinds of flat feet – flexible (mobile) or rigid (stiff). A flexible flatfoot is one where the foot retains motion. This type is considered to be hypermobile and the arch is able to be recreated when there is no weight on the foot. A flexible flatfoot is a very common form of flatfoot that usually originates in childhood and lasts throughout adulthood, typically worsening without treatment. The deformity in flexible flatfoot involves a mild, gradual collapse of the foot’s arch, and almost always occurs in both feet. In contrast, a rigid flatfoot is ‘stuck’ in the flat position regardless of whether or not there is pressure placed on the foot.

The successful treatment of flexible or rigid flat feet depends on an accurate diagnosis, early treatment and in some cases proper procedure selection.

Download Painful Flatfood Guide PDF

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Pediatric Deformity Correction

The STA-Peg (Smith Design) is a one-piece, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene implant, designed for use in selective cases where subtalar arthrorisis is indicated. The following discussion of implant subtalar arthrorisis of the subtalar joint was provided by Dr. Stephen Smith.

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