In 2004 my son had surgery to correct severe flat feet. Subtalar implants were inserted into each ankle. Now two years later it seems one of the implants had come out of place. This is something we were assured could never happen because tissue grows around the implant to keep it in place. The doctor wants to go back in and reposition the implant but we are concerned about the chances of the implant moving again. We do not want to keep putting my son through this. Has anyone ever had this procedure done? The past two years have been great and the implants have really corrected the problem and issues that my son was having. Currently we have an appointment for a second opinion but I am curious if anyone has gone through similar experiences with these types of implants.....

You said that the implants corrected the issues you son was having. Did the implants create an arch? If so, how high? Did they look cosmetically correct and attractive? Was there any associated pain? I am curious as I have extreme flat feet and am considering calcaneous osteotomy or the implants.

I had the MBA Implant and it was not in the subtalar joint all the way. I had to have to removed because I could not walk with it. It really hurt. My new Dr. said that a calcaneal ostotomy and a tendon transfer is the best for this problem. I saw Dr. Myerson in Baltimore. You should look up his site. They also have articles on this.

Hi! I used to work as a physical therapy assistant, and I saw a few patients who's implants had fallen out. I would not reccomend it. Depending on how severe the problem is, I would look for a podiatric surgeon certified with the American Podiatric surgery board that has experiance with flat feet surgery. I am 9 weeks post op from my flat foot reconstrucion on my second foot. The first was done last year. It is a complicated surgery, but now its done and over with and I can move on with my life. After the first foot healed, I was able to do so much more than I ever could before! Run, jump, and everything else. I wish that my parents had done the surgery on me when I was younger, because since I waited until I was 22, I have knee and hip trouble from my feet being so flat. Please check out the topic MBA implant where I posted the review of my surgery a couple of reply's down. The only thing I would caution is using an orthopedic surgeon, as they tend to be a bit invasive.

Hi
In response to the last post from December where the writer says to beware of orthopedic surgeons as they tend to be invasive. I have the opposite scenario. I have a ruptured PTT on the right. Dr Vogler in Sarasota, a well known respected podiatric surgeon wants to do a triple arthrodesis. I am only 48. My orthoepedic surgeon, also a well-known published surgeon specializing in ankles wants to do a subtalar fusion.
I am stage II with good flexibilty still. Just can't walk more than a block, or buy shoes other than Ecco's or New balance sneakers. And talk about an ugly foot!
I have some time. So I am researching options. I have read alot about tendon transfers with calcaneal osteotomies for my condition. But that is a very long recovery. The subtalar fusion is also 6 weeks of non-weight bearing and 6 mo to a year for complete healing (if your lucky). What I have read about the CSI, conical subtalar implant, seems too good to be true: ease of insertion, quicker recovery with less post-op complications, and normal articulation of the subtalar joint post op.
Would love feedback.
Cathy

I am also 9 weeks post-op from having a calcaneal osteotomy with FDL tendon transfer.

One of my options was a subtalar implant... and in the end my doctor and I decided against it, primarily for the reasons stated above. If your son is young and active, it would seem that a more "permanent" solution to his flat feet would be a better option. It was explained to me that the implants (MBI) even though less invasive, are not guaranteed to work and they do have the possibility of coming loose from the joint.

One doctor I saw for a second opinion said that I could always start with an implant and if it didn't work I could have the osteotomy/tendon transfer. My thought was why the heck would I put myself through the surgery and recovery if I might have to go back and do it all over again? My feelings were to fix it right the first time and let me get on with my life!

Deb

This would be for me. I am 48, yes, I am active. But not like a kid
;0 I am a nurse though, and have had to take a desk job because of this condition. I am seeing two more Dr's, both orthopedic surgeons. Who did your surgery, podiatrist or ortho? Thanks for the reply.
Cathy

I used a DPM who specializes in foot/ankle pain and surguries. He's a member of the American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons (FACFAS), and I'm very happy so far with what he did.

Since you're a nurse, you're probably aware that tendons take a very long time to heal. The osteotomy/tendon transfer surgery has a long recovery period, and my doctor has told me that it may take 9 months to a year before I see the full benefits of the surgery and am at 100%.

When I had my surgery in March I was also at Stage II with good flexibility, but heading towards Stage III. There was a posibility of having to fuse the cuneiform/navicular joint, but after inserting the bone graft into the heel, he felt the foot was stable enough to skip the fusion.

Keep doing research and make sure that you're informed before making any final decisions.

Deb

I'm 19 and I'm considering getting the subtalar implants. As of now I do not need any tendon lengthening. How have the implants changed your every day activities? Would you recommend them?

-Lauren

What happened with your son? Did he have the implant repositioned? If so, is it benefiting him to have them. I'm 19 and I'm considering them as well but I'm worried about the recovering time and the slipping out of place.

I have MBA implants. I also had and Achilles tendon lengthening. I love my implants and they have changed my life dramatically. Some people on the boards have had negative experience with the implants, but for me they have been great. My feet look straight and they are no longer misshaped. I can do alot more things and walk alot more than I ever could before. I do still wear my orthotics or Birkenstock sandals (most of the time) because my podiatrist recommended it, but I do wear cute, fashionable shoes if I am going out and it doesn't seem to really bother me. I love my ankle implants and wouldn't trade them for anything. Let me know if you have any questions. I would be happy to share what I know.

That's really refreshing to hear. I just feel like my legs and feet belong to a 90 year old! I'm glad to hear they improved your life that much.

How was your recovery? Did you have casts on afterward? How long were you on crutches, if at all?

That's really refreshing to hear. I just feel like my legs and feet belong to a 90 year old! I'm glad to hear they improved your life that much.

How was your recovery? Did you have casts on afterward? How long were you on crutches, if at all?

Hi! I'm 17 and am currently recovering from my second surgery. I had the MBA implant surgery done on my right foot a year ago and I just did my left foot 9 days ago. I'll gladly answer any question you all may have but here are some common ones:

How long is the recovery?
The recovery varies but since I had the tendon thing lengthened (I'm not quite sure about the name or details) it'll be around 4-5 weeks total. The first week I have a removable cast that I can't put pressure on .. I use crutches. Then I'll have a walking cast until I can walk on my own.

How bad is the pain?
Again, this varies but I really only had pain for the first 3-4 days. After that it's basically just pressure you feel and that can be cured with simply elevating your foot. Pain meds helped a lot but were only needed for the first few days.

Are you happy with the results?
I'm not a medical expert and this procedure is the only one I've had done but so far I'm very happy with the outcome. There was a dramatic difference between my right and left foot and I had no pain once the foot healed. It also changed the shape of my calf - giving it a leaner and straighter look. Also, I used to have sharp pains on the inside of my foot and, before my 2nd surgery, I only had the pains on my left.

Would you recommend this procedure?
It depends .. based on what I've heard about other procedures I would say yes. But it's best to ask your doctor I guess.


I've also read things about the implant falling out and to those who have experienced this I ask: How long had it been properly in place?

I ask this because my doctor said that the implant can, although it's not necessary, be removed after 6 months.

I hope my info has helped and I'll answer any other questions you all may have. :)

Thanks for the info, it did help. I know you're recovering from your second surgery now, but how did you activity level change once the first was done. Did you have any achy pain after a normal day from the foot that was treated?

It's great to hear from another young person on this, I'm nervous about the recovery and I'm afraid that I'll go through this whole thing and not get the results that I'm looking for...keep me posted on your recovery!

Glad I can help!

I really started having pain in my feet when I would go to the gym to work out. The pain in my arches would get so bad that I would have to stop running. I went to my podiatrist and he said I had severe flat feet. Other than working out though, I'm not a very active person. I don't do sports or anything, but I did see an improvement in everyday activities. It's easier to walk long distances and for longer periods of time. I also now have an actual arch in my foot and can wear high heels. As for pain after the procedure, it took about a month for me to be able to walk for long periods of time. About a week after I stopped wearing my walking boot I tried walking around 6 Flags with my friends and found it to be very difficult. Basically, it just takes time. The good thing is that there's no therapy needed. I've heard that the implants don't work for everyone but they sure did work for me and I'm very happy with them.

I'm going to try and get before and after pictures of my feet to show just how well these implants have worked. :)

This makes me feel a lot better. I have an appt this friday with a DPM who has taken a course on this surgery specifically...i also have another appt scheduled with an orthopedic surgeon in july. Was the doctor that performed yours a podiatrist or orthopedic surgeon? I'm going to compare the two and hopefully I'll find my ideal surgeon soon. I want to get this over with asap..I'll be a junior in college in august and i dont want to pick a career based on my feet the way they are now! Thanks for your replies.

Sorry for the delayed response. I don't check this board that often any more. My experience was that I did have to spend time on crutches. I was on about 5 weeks after each foot was done (NWB). I believe that was for the Achilles lenghtening rather than the implant though.

Pain level was not bad. I took pain medication the first few days after. I also was very good about keeping my foot up. I was told to pretty much lay flat in bed or on the couch with my foot up and iced for 7 days and I followed that advice pretty seriously (especially with the first foot). The second time around, I kept it up for about the first 5 days and than got a little stir crazy. The pain I wasn't expecting was when I got my cast off. It took a little while to get used to walking with the implant. It was kind of uncomfortable at first, but that gets better. I suggest physical therapy.

As I said my implants have changed my life. I can do alot more things now that I have them.

Hello everyone:
I haven't been back since my first couple of posts in May. I have been hard at the research, and have almost made a decision. I have the phone number of 2 patients who had the implants by this Dr I am considering. One had implant only, the other had the procedure the Dr has suggested for me, specifically a subtalar implant, gastroc recession and talonavicular fusion. The posterior tibial tendon is completely ruptured and retracted. At this point, a tendon transfer would be a moot point. I am curious as to the age of the posters here. I am 48, and although some of you may consider me 'old' I consider myself too young to be disabled. Anyway, as you all probably know, healing occurs quicker with youth on your side. I am healthy, don't smoke, and will be strictly compliant post-op, but I can't turn back the clock.
So those of you with the succesful implants, 2 questions:
1- How old are you?
2- Do any of you have a ruptured PTT?

Thanks for everyone's posts. I know there are more of us out there, any other boards you can recommend would be appreciated!

I'm looking at a September or October surgery date.

Cathy

I'm 20 years old and I have scheduled my subtalar arthroerisis for July 28th. I don't have any tendon damage, but was told that eventually it will happen, which is why I'm being proactive and getting the surgery done now. I'm having a DPM do the procedure. He's doing an average of 3 per week! I'm not sure I could find another doctor remotely close to me that does the surgery that frequently. I have a second opinion with an orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon tomorrow, but I'm pretty set with the upcoming surgery. I'll update as my recovery goes along.

I wish you luck, and I wish I had done what you are doing. However, although my feet have been flat my entire life, I don't recall any issues until my mid 40's and after working on my feet for long hours and several years. The orthopedics I have seen did not even mention implants. And when I suggested it, they remarked that it usually bothers adults, and has only been successful with children. I don't believe that. After reading the posts here, I am reconsidering the gastroc resection, or achilles lengthening. I have read that nerve damage happens only 5% of the time, but wih my luck, it would happen to me. He has said I could stage the surgeries. And progressively do each procedure if/when needed. So, I think I will start with the implant. My Dr is also a podiatric surgeon, and has in fact patented a new implant. Good luck, keep us posted.
Cathy

So you had a tendon transfer, what else did they do? a calcaneal osteotomy? Your history sounds exactly like mine, only opposite feet. I go back to this podiatric surgeon on Wednesday, and my husband is coming with. It is at this visit that I think I will commit to the first and hopefully last surgery. If you read my previous posts, I mention how this Dr has actually developed a subtalar implant with which he has had good success. He also wants to do a talonavicular osteotomy with gastroc resection. But, he also said we could stage it as well. Meaning, we could do the implant first, and the osteotomy only if necessary. He went back and forth about a tendon transfer, but I am not interested. All the physicians I have seen so far have said it isn't necessary. This doc says the talonavicular fusion will establish an arch, combined with the subtalar implant should give me a fairly stable and hopefully pain free foot. I am choosing to do the implant only. Basically because it is the least traumatic and involved. Also, it can be backed out. It is a 20 minute procedure and recovery is brief with minimal non-weightbearing. However, as excited as I am to have no pain, and to be able to walk and wear a sandle again, I know not to get my hopes up. Every Dr has the answer but none give a guarantee. So, I need to be realistic.
The podiatric surgeon I consulted before this one has advised either a calcaneal osteotomy with achilles lengthening and tendon transfer, or a triple arthrodesis. He is the most aggresive. If the implant doesn't work, I will probably go back to this first podiatric surgeon because although he is old school, he has done hundreds of these procedures and is highly respected and well known nationally and in Europe. But he only uses implants for very specific patients, and I guess I don't meet for his standards. So, I will have the implant done by the young Dr who developed it, and if it fails, go to the older physician with the traditional methods.
I too have had flat feet my whole life. I can remember as a child having to wear uncomfortable hard plastic orthotics. That I would break frequently just from jumping and running. They really never gave me a problem until my 40's. I hope to be able to work in the clinical arena again, but will have to wait and see.
Cathy