Outcomes of subtalar arthroereisis for pediatric and adolescent flexible flatfoot: A systematic review comparing metallic versus bioabsorbable implants

Subtalar arthroereisis with metallic or bioabsorbable implants yields substantial clinical and radiographic improvement in pediatric flexible flatfoot. Available data suggest that bioabsorbable devices may be associated with lower rates of implant-related symptoms, but comparative evidence, limited to two non-randomized studies, is of low-to-moderate certainty. High-quality randomized trials with standardized, long-term outcome reporting are needed to define the optimal implant choice.