Flat foot due to rupture of the tibialis posterior tendon has not previously been described in children. We present three young patients who developed unilateral pes planus after old undiagnosed lacerations of the tendon. Transfer of the flexor hallucis longus to the distal stump of the tibialis posterior tendon achieved good results in all three cases.

We performed basal chevron metatarsal osteotomy on 32 feet (31 patients) for painful hallux valgus associated with an increased intermetatarsal 1/2 angle (> 12 degrees). Pedobarographic and radiological examinations were done preoperatively and at a minimum of six months postoperatively. The average hallux valgus angle was improved from 40.9 degrees to 19.2 degrees and the intermetatarsal 1/2 angle from 16.5 degrees to 6.8 degrees. The mean angle of declination of the first metatarsal was decreased by 1.4 degrees. The pedobarographs showed a significant reduction in areas sustaining pressure > 5 kg/cm2, an increased total foot contact area and a higher percentage forefoot contact area on heel raise. There was a high level of patient satisfaction with relief of symptoms and improved appearance of the foot.