Anatomic and functional disorders in children with flatfoot

Aim: to analyze anatomic and functional changes in children with flatfoot. Material and Methods. We analyzed foot state in 40 children (34 boys and 6 girls, aged 5-14, mean age: 9.6±2.3 yrs), comparison group consisted of 30 healthy children aged 5-14 (mean age 8.5±2.5 yrs) without foot pathology. Patients were diagnosed on the basis of clinical examination: complaints, functional stress tests, QL questionnaire Oxford Ankle Foot, instrumental methods (X-ray, biomechanical investigation). Results. Right from early age (5 yrs) children start experiencing discomfort in feet in the course of various physical exercises, in our experiment 77% of patients have discomfort complaints. Mean indexes of OAFQ were 30.8±12.5. All children had signs of astragalus erection with respect to calcaneum which stipulates disturbance of longitudinal arch of foot joints and of normal function in talocalcaneal coalition. The disturbance of gait time indexes results in its decreased function. Conclusion. At present the problem of flatfoot in children did not get proper attention. The surgeons should focus on the features of pathology development in children 7-14 yrs applying all modern diagnostic methods.</p

The method of controlled growth for the correction of axial deformities of lower extremities in children

Aim: to estimate the outcomes of the method of controlled growth in the correction of axial deformities of lower extremities in children. Material and Methods. We fulfilled the analysis of surgical results of 37 children aged 3-13 yrs. with leg axial deformities, valgus (20) and varus (17) leg deformities at the level of knee joints. All patients were operated in the growth area with the method of controlled growth — temporary epiphysiodesis of external portions of distal growth areas in femoral bones. The assessment of controlled growth method was conducted at 3-14 months for valgus and 6-15 months for varus leg deformities. Results. The assessment of controlled growth method use indicated clinically and X-ray proved reduction in femoral-tibial angle before the elimination of metal construction in valgus deformity 4.1 times, in varus 3.8 times. Conclusion. The method of controlled growth is highly effective correction method for axial deformities of lower extremities in children, and is minimally traumatizing.</p

Changes in internal architectonics of proximal femur in children with hip dysplasia development

The aim of the research is to identify common patterns of compensatory changes in internal architectonics of the proximal femur with valgus and varus deformity. Material and Methods. The parameters of the proximal femur were determined on the basis of 78 roentgenograms of children with hip dysplasia (1-4 years, 4-7 years, 7-16 years) before and after surgical treatment (after 6 months). Results. The degree of change in internal architectonics of the bone substance has been determined after changing of the femoral neck-shaft angle achieved with the help of correcting osteotomy in different age groups. Conclusion. Maximum recovery of internal architectonics of the bone substance is observed in the groups aged 4-7 years