Pes planovalgus in children.

Postural valgus hindfeet in children, so-called "flat feet" or floppy feet, are not new to orthopedics. A small number of these patients have significant symptoms requiring surgical treatment. Many patients are adequately controlled without operation by Rose-Swartz insoles worn during the growing period. In this series of 17 children and one adult with severe pes planovalgus, both parents and children testified to considerable and lasting functional improvement at examinations performed several years after surgery. The hindfoot shape as judged by shoe wear and on radiographs may not be vastly different before and after surgery; however, function is gained, and symptoms decrease markedly, justifying the surgical intervention.