Pediatric flatfoot sits at the intersection of growth, alignment and function, and the decisions that matter most are made by a surgeon who treats these feet every week. This page explains what a pediatric flatfoot subspecialist actually does, when a child should be referred, and how modern reconstruction is planned. pediatric orthopedic consultant Dr. Mutasem Aldhoon leads this subspecialty practice and reviews complex and revision flatfoot cases referred from across the region.
Pediatric Orthopedic Consultant
17+ Years
Clinical experience
Dual UK Training
Pediatric orthopedic fellowship training
MRCSed
Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
GMC Registered
UK General Medical Council registration
Not every flat foot is the same condition. A subspecialist separates the benign from the structural before any treatment is proposed.
The arch restores on tiptoe but the calf is tight, loading the midfoot and causing activity pain. Stretching and gait retraining come first; selective lengthening is reserved for persistent, measurable tightness.
A foot that stays flat in every position, often with peroneal spasm. Rigidity is a red flag for an underlying structural cause and always warrants dedicated imaging.
A bony or fibrous bridge between hindfoot bones — most often calcaneonavicular or talocalcaneal — that blocks subtalar motion and typically becomes symptomatic in later childhood.
An extra ossicle at the insertion of the posterior tibial tendon that can cause a painful medial prominence and contribute to arch collapse.
Flatfoot in cerebral palsy and other neuromuscular conditions, where muscle imbalance and bracing needs shape both the timing and the technique of correction.
Under-corrected, over-corrected or recurrent flatfoot after previous surgery, where careful re-analysis of the deformity apex is essential before further intervention.
Most flat feet never need a surgeon. Refer to a pediatric flatfoot specialist when any of the following are present.
Reconstruction is never a single named operation. The deformity is broken down into its components — hindfoot valgus, lateral column shortening, forefoot supination, equinus contracture, blocked motion — and each component is addressed with the least invasive procedure that corrects it.
Restores the short lateral column and swings the hindfoot out of valgus while preserving every joint.
Releases the tight posterior tension that drives midfoot collapse, chosen at the level the examination indicates.
A medial cuneiform opening wedge that brings the elevated first ray back to the ground and balances the tripod.
Augments the repaired medial soft-tissue restraints so the correction is protected during early rehabilitation.
Frees blocked subtalar motion, with interposition to prevent regrowth — often combined with realignment when valgus is significant.
Standing and seated examination, tiptoe and jack tests, calf flexibility, hindfoot alignment and gait observation.
Weight-bearing radiographs as the baseline, with CT or MRI when a coalition, accessory navicular or cartilage problem is suspected.
Stretching programmes, activity modification, footwear advice and orthoses, given a fair and measured trial before surgery is discussed.
If surgery is indicated, the components of the deformity, the timing relative to growth, and the recovery pathway are explained to the family in full.
Consultation details, clinic locations and appointment requests are maintained on the official practice website.
