Criteria for combined procedure selection in the surgical correction of the acquired flatfoot.

Surgical correction of the flexible acquired flatfoot has long been subject to procedures based on an unsound understanding of the true pathomechanics of the deformity. With the advent of modern biomechanics and the concept of planal dominance, procedure selection can become a more exacting science. A classification system based on the progression of symptoms, used in concert with a firm understanding of the primary and compensatory deformities can simplify the process of selecting combined procedures to deal with a particular foot type.