A simple operative procedure for the relief of pain in rigid flat-foot consists of a transverse-wedge arthrodesis between the os calcis and the astragalus.
Five patients (eight feet) were operated upon three or four years ago. In two of these patients, the rigid flat feet were secondary to arthritis. All of these operations were successful in relieving pain.
The loss of motion between the os calcis and the astragalus adds no stiffness to the foot, as it is rigid prior to operation.
The patients do not ordinarily come for treatment because of stiffness, but for the relief of pain.
In its fusion with the astragalus, the os calcis should not be allowed to assume an inverted position. Such a position may give a better cosmetic appearance, but functionally it is not satisfactory.
Patients with circulatory impairment in their feet should not be subjected to this operation.