Effects of lower extremity rotation on prognosis of flexible flatfoot in children

The aim of this study is to search the effects of tibial torsion on flexibl e flatfoot. For this purpose, 20 children with flexible flatfoot and extern al tibial torsion were determined as a study group, The control group which consisted of 10 children with flexible flatfoot without rotational problem s was included in the study. Plantar flexion angle of talus, talo-1, metata rsal angle and dorsoplantar talocalcaneal angle were measured on standing f oot radiographs. Tibial torsion was measured by computed tomography Plantar flexion angle of talus and dorsoplantar talocalcaneal angle were found sig nificantly lower in the study group (p<0.005 and p<0.005 respectively), alt hough talo-1. metatarsal angle was not significantly different between the groups (p=.2917). Naviculo-cuneiform sag was prominent in all cases of stud y group, In conclusion, abnormal external tibial torsion may affect the foo t deformity and this can change the benign nature of the flexible flatfoot.