Flat foot reconstruction surgery
What is flat foot reconstruction surgery and why it is required some of the time?
Flat foot reconstruction is a surgical treatment for painful or progressive flat foot deformity that hasn’t responded to non-surgical care. Also called adult acquired flat foot correction, this surgery aims to restore the foot’s arch, improve alignment and relieve pain caused by tendon dysfunction, arthritis or structural collapse
What does the operation involve?
Flat foot reconstruction is often a combination of procedures selected based on your individual deformity. It is usually performed under general or regional anaesthetic and may include:
• Tendon procedures – e.g., posterior tibial tendon repair or transfer
• Osteotomies – realigning bones such as the heel (calcaneus) or midfoot
• Arthrodesis (fusion) – fusing unstable or arthritic joints
• Ligament balancing – improving soft-tissue support
Your surgeon will review the specific plan, which may involve one or more of these procedures during the same operation.
Consent Information
Consent Form for Flat foot reconstruction (docx)
DownloadExamples
Post Surgical Recovery
Immediate post operative period (0-2 weeks)
- A cast or boot is applied to protect the reconstruction.
- Non-weight-bearing with crutches is commonly advised initially.
- Elevation is important to reduce swelling.
- Stitches are usually removed at 10–14 days.
2-6 weeks after surgery
- Continued protection in a boot or cast.
- X-rays may be taken to check initial healing.
- Gentle non-weight-bearing movement and strengthening exercises may begin.
6-12 weeks after surgery
- Transition to protected weight-bearing (partial → full) in a boot or controlled shoe as advised.
- Physiotherapy will focus on gait correction, range of motion and strength.
Longer term (3-6 months and beyond)
- Further progression to normal footwear with arch support.
- Walking distance and daily activities increase gradually.
- Some swelling may persist but gradually reduces with time.
- Final corrections settle; function continues to support daily activities after 6 months..
- Return to low-impact sports or exercise is often possible.
Recovery depends on the specific combination of procedures, the number of joints involved and your baseline function.
Outcomes
Before Surgery
- Pain in the midfoot with walking or weight-bearing
- Difficulty wearing regular shoes
- Swelling or stiffness across the arch
- Reduced activity levels due to discomfort
After Surgery
- Significant reduction or elimination of pain
- Improved midfoot stability and alignment
- Better walking comfort
- Ability to wear supportive footwear comfortably
- Durable long-term outcome in most patients
Long term success
- Most patients achieve stable bone fusion and lasting pain relief.
- Adjacent joints can adapt well, though a small percentage may experience increased stress in the long term.
- Supportive shoes and gradual activity progression improve outcomes.
Contact Us
Contact to arrange an appointment
Prof Mason has clinics at Spire Liverpool (weekly) and in Douglas, Isle of Man (every 3 months)
Cost -
Initial consultation - £250
Follow-up - £150
Prof Lyndon Mason
Spire Liverpool Hospital, 57 Greenbank Rd, Liverpool L18 1HQ, UK
Patient Liaison - Clare van de Waal Telephone - 07717580737 E-mail - CVDWclerical@outlook.com Website - <<https://liverpoolfootandankle.com/<<
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