Flat feet—also known as pes planus or fallen arches—are a common condition affecting children and adults alike. While many people with flat feet experience no symptoms, others struggle with chronic pain, instability, and progressive deformity that can impact daily life. When conservative treatments such as orthotics, physical therapy, and supportive footwear fail to provide relief, surgical intervention may be considered. Among the modern surgical options available, HyProCure has emerged as a minimally invasive and highly targeted solution for flexible flatfoot deformity. This essay explores the nature of flat feet, the principles behind HyProCure surgery, its benefits, risks, and long?term outcomes.
Understanding Flat Foot
Flat foot occurs when the arch on the inside of the foot collapses, causing the entire sole to make contact with the ground. This can be congenital or acquired over time. Some individuals are born with flat feet, while others develop the condition due to genetics, ligament laxity, injury, or dysfunction of supporting structures in the foot. Flat feet often cause the foot to roll inward—known as overpronation—which can lead to pain in the foot, ankle, knee, hip, or even lower back.
Flexible flatfoot, the type most commonly treated with HyProCure, is characterized by an arch that appears when the foot is not bearing weight but collapses when standing or walking. This form of flatfoot is often associated with excessive motion in the subtalar joint, a key joint responsible for stabilizing the foot during movement.
What Is HyProCure?
HyProCure is a titanium stent designed to correct misalignment in the foot by stabilizing the sinus tarsi, a naturally occurring space between the ankle and heel bones. The device is inserted into this space to limit excessive pronation and restore proper alignment of the foot and ankle. Unlike traditional flatfoot surgeries, HyProCure does not involve cutting or fusing bones, making it a less invasive option with a shorter recovery time.
The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia in a day?surgery setting. A small incision is made near the sinus tarsi, the stent is inserted, and the incision is closed with minimal disruption to surrounding tissues. Because the implant works with the body’s natural anatomy rather than altering it, many patients experience improved function without the need for more extensive reconstructive surgery.
How HyProCure Works
The core principle behind HyProCure is the stabilization of the subtalar joint. In individuals with flexible flatfoot, this joint collapses inward, causing the arch to flatten and the ankle to roll medially. By placing the stent in the sinus tarsi, HyProCure acts as an internal support that prevents excessive motion while still allowing normal foot mechanics.
This stabilization helps:
- Restore the natural arch of the foot
- Improve alignment of the ankle and lower leg
- Reduce strain on muscles, tendons, and ligaments
- Alleviate pain associated with overpronation
Because the implant does not fuse or restrict the joint entirely, patients retain mobility while gaining structural support.
Benefits of HyProCure Surgery
HyProCure offers several advantages over traditional flatfoot correction procedures:
1. Minimally Invasive Approach
The surgery requires only a small incision and does not involve bone cutting or joint fusion. This reduces surgical trauma and speeds up recovery.
2. Permanent Yet Reversible
The titanium stent is designed to remain in place permanently, but it can be removed if necessary without major structural consequences.
3. Shorter Recovery Time
Most patients can bear weight on the foot shortly after surgery and return to normal activities faster than with more invasive procedures.
4. Effective for Flexible Flatfoot
HyProCure is specifically indicated for flexible flatfoot, where the arch can be restored when the foot is not weight?bearing.
5. Can Be Combined with Other Procedures
In cases where flatfoot is more severe or accompanied by other deformities, HyProCure can be used alongside additional corrective surgeries.
Who Is a Candidate for HyProCure?
Ideal candidates include individuals with:
- Flexible flatfoot
- Pain or dysfunction caused by overpronation
- Failure to respond to conservative treatments
- No severe arthritis or rigid deformity
Children, adolescents, and adults may all be considered, though evaluation by a qualified podiatric or orthopedic surgeon is essential.
Risks and Considerations
As with any surgical procedure, HyProCure carries potential risks. These may include:
- Pain or discomfort around the implant site
- Over? or under?correction
- Implant displacement
- Need for removal or revision surgery
However, complications are relatively uncommon, and many issues can be addressed with postoperative care or minor adjustments. Surgeons emphasize the importance of proper patient selection and postoperative rehabilitation to ensure optimal outcomes.
Recovery and Long?Term Outcomes
Recovery from HyProCure surgery is generally quicker than traditional flatfoot reconstruction. Patients often begin walking with support soon after surgery, gradually increasing activity as healing progresses. Full recovery may take several months, during which physical therapy and supportive footwear may be recommended.
Long?term studies and clinical experience suggest that HyProCure provides lasting correction and pain relief for many patients. By addressing the root cause of overpronation—instability of the subtalar joint—the procedure can prevent progression of deformity and reduce strain on the entire kinetic chain of the lower body.
HyProCure surgery represents a significant advancement in the treatment of flexible flatfoot. Its minimally invasive nature, effectiveness in restoring natural alignment, and relatively quick recovery make it an appealing option for individuals whose quality of life is affected by flat feet. While not suitable for every case, HyProCure offers a targeted and innovative solution that addresses the underlying biomechanical issues contributing to flatfoot deformity. As with any medical decision, consultation with a qualified specialist is essential to determine whether this procedure is appropriate based on individual anatomy, symptoms, and goals.