EXCISION OF CALCANEO-NAVICULAR BAR FOR PAINFUL SPASMODIC FLAT FOOT

1. The results of excision of calcaneo-navicular bars in spasmodic flat feet are reported. The average follow-up was six years. Complete relief of symptoms was achieved in 68 per cent and over 25 degrees of subtalar inversion was restored in 58 per cent of the feet. 2. The results appear slightly more favourable than those of conservative treatment, but it is realised that the period of observation is short. 3. In a selected group of patients operation by a standard technique relieved symptoms and restored subtalar movement in all. 4. It is submitted that excision of the calcaneo-navicular bar is a justifiable procedure in the younger patient with painful spasmodic flat foot of recent origin.