Our practice has extensive experience recognising and providing treatment for this common condition in Singapore. Before the age of seven, many children’s feet are still growing, and may have a flatfoot as the arch is still developing. This means it can be a normal part of development requiring no intervention to correct. However, when a child has a severe flatfoot or one due to a congenital deformity such as a tarsal coalition, they may require treatment at a young age.
In cases where loss of flexibility is observed, or the flatfoot is particularly severe, parents are encouraged to bring their children for an appointment with our Singapore specialists. This allows us to assess if intervention is beneficial, and whether there are any underlying congenital issues.
After about seven years of age, children’s arches should be developed enough for us to make an assessment. As children become older, they may experience aches and pains in the arch during periods of increased activity. In these cases, an insole could prove beneficial. Where the insole is insufficient to correct the symptoms or deformity, surgical intervention may be an option.
Traditional Flatfoot Surgery In Children
The traditional means of correcting flatfoot in children throughout Singapore would involve an osteotomy, or cutting of the bones for realignment to form an arch. Sometimes, a bone graft needs to be harvested from the child’s hip to correct the foot.
Post-operative rehabilitation in many cases would need a cast and a relatively long period of not being able to bear weight on the foot. This has made traditional means of correcting flatfoot in children unpopular throughout Singapore.
Arthroereisis (Minimally Invasive Flatfoot Correction)
This is a procedure in use since the 1980’s in Europe for the correction of flatfoot in children. It has more recently been introduced in Singapore. It involves the insertion of a small titanium implant into the sinus tarsi region of the foot. The device acts like an internal splint to the foot and ‘creates’ an arch in this manner.
As the child grows, the implant allows the ligaments to rebalance and a natural arch to form. This has the advantage of being minimally invasive and allows faster rehabilitation.
There is also no need for an osteotomy or cutting of the foot bones, and does not require a bone graft to be harvested from the child’s hip. Please see our media article/release on day surgery correction of flatfeet.
To learn more about this condition and our capabilities to assist, speak to our practice at +65 6734 8168 or send an email to email@footandankledoctor.com.sg
