ABSTRACT
Malalignment of the hindfoot impairs gait and prevents the wearing of normal footwear. Treatment is normally instituted early in childhood for most congenital causes in the hope of avoiding bony surgery. However, some cases relapse or are resistant to primary treatment and may require hindfoot arthrodesis or osteotomy. Congenital causes include talipes, congenital vertical talus, spinal dysraphism, cerebral palsy and peroneal muscular atrophy. Hindfoot arthrodesis may also be indicated in some cases of polio, post-traumatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
