Results of surgical treatment of idiopathic pes planovalgus by means of Grice's operation combined with reconstruction of the glenoid (accessory plantar) ligament and anterior transposition of tibialis posterior.

After an average follow up of six years, the writers reviewed the results of ninety operations for idiopathic flat foot treated by Grice's operation combined with reconstruction of the glenoid ligament and anterior transposition of the tibialis posterior. Eleven parameters (clinical, plantographic and radiographic) were used for objective assessment of the initial and residual deformity, a numerical code being given to each. The results were excellent or good in 88 per cent of the patients. The initial severity of the condition and the presence of ligamentous laxity either generalised or localised to the ankle joint, had an adverse effect on the results. The technique of Grice's operation is extremely important. The results are always excellent or good when the sinus tarsi is widely opened up and the bone graft correctly placed. Anterior transposition of the tibialis posterior improved the results in 26 per cent of cases: elongation of the Achilles tendon was only rarely necessary. The type of graft had no effect on the results: homoplastic grafts are therefore preferable since they cause less inconvenience. Surgical intervention before the age of four years is a mistake: the best results are obtained between nine and thirteen years.