Is subtalar arthroereisis a good procedure in adult-acquired flatfoot? A systematic review of the literature

Introduction: The aim of the present systematic literature review was to determine results and complications in subtalar arthroereisis for stage-2 adult-acquired flatfoot.

Method: A search of the PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, Cochrane and Embase databases used MeSH terms "arthroereisis" AND "flatfoot" OR "adult-acquired flatfoot" OR "pes planovalgus" OR "pes planus". Two of the authors analyzed 125 articles. After reading titles and Abstracts, 105 articles were read in full text and their references were analyzed. Finally, 12 articles were selected and divided into 2 groups: isolated and associated arthroereisis.

Results: Improvement in functional scores was greater in associated arthroereisis. Whether isolated or associated, arthroereisis achieved radiologic correction. However, the rate of complications was high, mainly concerning tarsal sinus pain.

Conclusion: Subtalar arthroereisis for stage-2 adult-acquired flatfoot is rarely performed in isolation. When it is associated to other procedures, good radiologic and clinical results can be expected.

Level of evidence: IV.