The Cotton osteotomy: indications and techniques

Stage II posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD) is characterized by an incompetent posterior tibial tendon that results in a flexible pes planovalgus deformity. As the hindfoot drifts into valgus, compensatory varus develops in the forefoot. Alternatively, in some cases medial column instability can result in primary forefoot varus that drives the hindfoot into valgus. Recently, there has been increasing awareness of the importance of forefoot varus in PTTD.     

Combined split anterior tibial-tendon transfer and intramuscular lengthening of the posterior tibial tendon. Results in patients who have a varus deformity of the foot due to spastic cerebral palsy

Twenty patients who had a varus deformity of the foot secondary to spastic cerebral palsy had twenty-two operations involving combined split anterior tibial-tendon transfer and intramuscular lengthening of the posterior tibial tendon, with and without concomitant lengthening of the Achilles tendon. Preoperatively, all patients had had a dynamic varus deformity of the hindfoot and adduction of the forefoot in both the stance phase and the swing phase of gait. At an average follow-up of 6.2 years (range, 2.3 to 8.8 years), there were fourteen excellent, four good, and four poor clinical results. Two patients who had a fixed varus deformity of the hindfoot and one patient who had a very weak anterior tibial muscle had a poor result. We concluded that the combined procedure is effective for correction of a flexible varus deformity of the foot in patients who have spastic cerebral palsy.     

Plantarflexion opening wedge medial cuneiform osteotomy for correction of fixed forefoot varus associated with flatfoot deformity

BACKGROUND: Flatfoot presents as a wide spectrum of foot deformities that include varying degrees of hindfoot valgus, forefoot abduction, and forefoot varus. Medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy, lateral column lengthening, and subtalar fusion can correct heel valgus, but may not adequately correct the fixed forefoot varus component. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of plantarflexion opening wedge medial cuneiform (Cotton) osteotomy in the correction of forefoot varus. METHODS: Sixteen feet (15 patients) had plantarflexion opening wedge medial cuneiform osteotomies to correct forefoot varus associated with flatfoot deformities from several etiologies, including congenital flatfoot (six feet, average age 37 years), tarsal coalition (five feet, average age 15 years), overcorrected clubfoot deformity (two feet, ages 17 years and 18 years), skewfoot (one foot, age 15 years), chronic posterior tibial tendon insufficiency (one foot, 41 years), and rheumatoid arthritis (one foot, age 56 years). RESULTS: Standing radiographs showed an average improvement in the anterior-posterior talo-first metatarsal angle of 7 degrees (9 degrees preoperative, 2 degrees postoperative). The talonavicular coverage angle improved an average of 15 degrees (20 degrees preoperative, 5 degrees postoperative). The lateral talo-first metatarsal angle improved an average of 14 degrees (-13 degrees preoperative, 1 degree postoperative). Correcting for radiographic magnification, the distance from the mid-medial cuneiform to the floor on the lateral radiograph averaged 40 mm preoperatively and 47 mm postoperatively (average improvement 7 mm). All patients at followup described mild to no pain with ambulation. There were no nonunions or malunions. CONCLUSIONS: Opening wedge medial cuneiform osteotomy is an important adjunctive procedure to correct the forefoot varus component of a flatfoot deformity. Advantages of this technique in comparison to first tarsometatarsal arthrodesis include predictable union, preservation of first ray mobility, and the ability to easily vary the amount of correction. Because of the variety of hindfoot procedures done in these patients, the degree of hindfoot correction contributed by the cuneiform osteotomy alone could not be determined. We have had excellent results without major complications using this technique.     

Calcaneocuboid distraction arthrodesis and first metatarsocuneiform arthrodesis for correction of acquired flatfoot deformity in a cadaver model

BACKGROUND: Lateral column lengthening has been associated with residual forefoot supination and symptomatic lateral overload in treatment of acquired flatfoot. A medial column procedure may be useful to redistribute load to the medial column. We evaluated radiographic and pressure changes in a severe flatfoot model with lateral column lengthening and investigated the effect of an added first metatarsocuneiform arthrodesis. METHODS: Ten cadaver specimens were loaded in simulated double-legged stance, and radiographic and pressure data were collected for all tested states. Calcaneocuboid arthrodesis was done with a 10-mm foam wedge. Residual forefoot varus was corrected through the first metatarsocuneiform joint. RESULTS: Differences in the mean lateral talar-first metatarsal angle, talonavicular angle, talocalcaneal angle, and calcaneal pitch were significant between the intact foot and the flatfoot. After calcaneocuboid distraction arthrodesis and tendon transfer, the lateral talar-first metatarsal angle, talonavicular angle, and calcaneal pitch were significantly different from the flatfoot. After added first metatarsocuneiform arthrodesis, the talonavicular angle was not significantly different from the intact foot. Lateral forefoot pressure increased in the flatfoot after lateral column lengthening but was not significantly different from the intact foot after first metarsocuneiform arthrodesis was added. CONCLUSIONS: Adding first metatarsocuneiform arthrodesis to calcaneocuboid distraction arthrodesis for treatment of flatfoot deformity provided improvement in radiographic and pedobarographic parameters of a severe model of stage II posterior tibial tendon dysfunction.     

Fibular nonunion and equinovarus deformity secondary to posterior tibial tendon incarceration in the syndesmosis: a case report after a bimalleolar fracture-dislocation.

A 39-year-old woman sustained a grade II open bimalleolar fracture-dislocation of the left ankle. Six months after an ORIF of these fractures was performed, she presented with a nonunion of the distal fibula fracture and with a fixed hindfoot equinovarus and forefoot adduction deformity. At surgery for repair of the fibular nonunion, the posterior tibial tendon (PTT) was found to be entrapped in the posterior tibiotalar joint, with a portion of the tendon interposed between the tibia and the fibula in the area of the posterior syndesmosis. After extrication of the PTT, the hindfoot varus and forefoot adduction deformity were corrected. To our knowledge, this is the first case report in the English literature of a missed PTT syndesmotic entrapment that resulted in a fibular nonunion and in a fixed foot deformity after an open bimalleolar ankle fracture dislocation.     

The use of dynamic EMG in predicting the outcome of split posterior tibial tendon transfers in spastic hemiplegia

The purpose of this study was to assess the outcome of split posterior tibial tendon transfers in patients with spastic cerebral palsy to determine whether the use of preoperative dynamic electromyography was predictive of surgical success. The study is a consecutive case series of 25 children with spastic hemiplegia who underwent unilateral split posterior tibial tendon transfers for varus foot deformities. Three patients were considered failures because of residual varus, which required further surgery. An additional 5 patients had mild residual varus. Preoperative dynamic electromyographic data were evaluated to determine the etiology of postoperative undercorrection. Undercorrection seems to be related to unrecognized anterior tibial muscle overactivity and advanced age at surgery. Overcorrection did not occur. Dropfoot was noted postoperatively in 52% of patients and was related to early cessation of anterior tibial muscle activity in swing. Split posterior tibial tendon transfer is a successful surgery on those patients with increased posterior tibial muscle activity. Undercorrection can be avoided by assessing the activity of the anterior tibial muscle before surgery. These results are expected to assist in surgical decision making for the equinovarus foot in cerebral palsy.     

The Cobb procedure for treatment of acquired flatfoot deformity associated with stage II insufficiency of the posterior tibial tendon

BACKGROUND: A supple flatfoot deformity caused by posterior tibial tendon (PTT) dysfunction may include a supination deformity of the forefoot that usually is not sufficiently corrected by the commonly suggested treatment options. The use of a partial anterior tibial tendon (ATT) graft that is rerouted through the first cuneiform to the proximal stump of the PTT may restore plantarflexion power of the first ray (Cobb procedure). METHODS: Twenty-two consecutive patients with stage II PTT dysfunction and a supple supination deformity of the forefoot were included. A clinical examination, a subjective score, and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot Scale were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean AOFAS score increased from preoperatively 53.2 (range 40 to 68) to 88.5 (range 78 to 94) at a followup of 24 (range 12 to 46) months. The overall clinical results were excellent in nine patients (41.0%), good in 12 (54.5%), fair in one (4.5%), and poor in none. None of the patients had decreased power of the anterior tibial tendon compared to the contralateral foot. Nineteen patients (86%) were able to wear shoes without shoe modifications. CONCLUSIONS: The Cobb procedure provided satisfactory correction of associated forefoot supination deformity in stage II PTT dysfunction. All patients had improved function because of the increased stability of the first ray. There was no evidence of loss of ATT power. The Cobb procedure may be considered an appropriate alternative to arthrodeses in selected patients with supple supination deformity in flatfeet.     

Pathoanatomy and etiology of posterior tibial tendon dysfunction

Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction is a cause of painful acquired flatfoot in adults. It is associated with progressive collapse of the medial longitudinal arch, hindfoot valgus, and forefoot abduction deformities. The clinical manifestations and surgical treatment have been well documented in the literature. Epidemiologic studies have not shown any clear predisposing factors to the disease. Numerous etiologies have been proposed to explain the clinical evidence of tendon degeneration found at the time of surgery including trauma, anatomic, mechanical inflammatory, and ischemic factors. Although previously thought to be secondary to an inflammatory process resulting in acute and chronic tendinitis, more recent histopathologic evidence has revealed a degenerative tendinosis with a nonspecific reparative response to tissue injury characterized by mucinous degeneration, fibroblast hypercellularity, chondroid metaplasia, and neovascularization. These pathologic changes result in marked disruption in collagen bundle structure and orientation. This may compromise the tendon and predispose it to rupture under physiologic loads. However, it cannot be determined whether these changes precede or postdate posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. It seems that there are many contributing factors to the etiology of posterior tibial tendon dysfunction all culminating in a common disease process with resulting tendon degeneration and an insufficient repair response.     

Spontaneous rupture of the posterior tibial tendon secondary to chronic nonspecific tenosynovitis

Presented is a case history of complete rupture of the posterior tibial tendon and its subsequent surgical repair. Treatment included tendon repair followed by physical therapy and orthotic devices. Nine months after repair the patient was experiencing considerably reduced symptomatology but demonstrated significant posterior tibial muscle weakness and moderate subtalar joint pronation with forefoot abduction, with the deformity appearing to progress. This may indicate the need for additional surgical procedures to halt progression and lessen the chance of persistent pronation deformity.     

Flexor-Digitorum-Longus-Transfer und medialisierende Kalkaneusosteotomie zur Therapie der zweitgradigen erworbenen Plattfußdeformität

Acquired flatfoot deformity is characterized by flatening of the longitudinal arch of the foot and a varus alignement of the hindfoot due to insufficiency of the postero-medial soft tissue structures and is divided in four different stages. Stage II represents a flexible flatfoot deformity without active hindfoot inversion due to insufficiency of the Tendon of the posterior tibial muscle. Symptoms include pain at the medial hindfoot and difficulites associated with walking on uneven surfaces. Clinically, there occurs hindfoot varus and excessive forefoot abduction (‚too many toes sign’). Imaging studies include weight bearing a/p and lateral xrays as well as MRI scans in order to visualize tendon degeneration. Conservative treatment options include longitudinal arch support and physical therapy respectively. In case of failure of conservative treatment surgical options include flexor digitorum longus transfer and medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy. This procedure reveals good functional results with the restoration of single heel rise.     

Bilateral arthrodesis of the medial foot joints in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) often have foot problems. The subtalar and particularly talonavicular joints are affected most frequently. The posterior tibial tendon has an important role in mid-foot stability. In RA patients, chronic inflammation of this tendon or talonavicular joint arthritis can results in posterior tibial tendon rupture. This leads to a collapsed talonavicular joint and forefoot instability, first with talonavicular and later Chopart's joint involvement. This shows as a planovalgus foot, with the forefoot in pronation and the heel in valgus deviation. In a 61-year-old RA patient, ruptures of the posterior tibial tendon due to rheumatoid inflammation occurred bilaterally, with subsequent deviation and instability of the forefoot. Arthrodesis with a medial column screw-Midfoot Fusion Bolt was carried out on the left foot and 4 months later on the right foot. At 7 months after the left and 4 months after the right foot surgery, the patient was free from pain, both feet were stable under loading and the forefoot was firm. The planovalgus deformity was corrected, as well as a valgus deviation of the great toe. Radiography showed a good position of the screws and complete healing of the medial foot joints.     

Failure after soft-tissue release with tendon transfer for flexible iatrogenic hallux varus: a systematic review

Hallux valgus is a common forefoot pathology often requiring surgical intervention for symptomatic relief. One complication of hallux valgus correction is flexible hallux varus. Iatrogenic flexible hallux varus often requires surgical repair; however, the most advantageous surgical procedure for repair of iatrogenic flexible hallux varus and their sustainability remains unclear. Therefore, we performed a systematic review to determine the sustainability of soft-tissue release with tendon transfer for the correction of iatrogenic flexible hallux varus. Studies were eligible for inclusion only if they involved failure of soft-tissue release with tendon transfer for flexible iatrogenic hallux varus. Eight studies met our inclusion criteria, seven of which were evidence-based medicine level IV studies and one was level V. A total of 52 patients, all female, involving 68 feet, were included. All studies included soft-tissue release of the first metatarsal-phalangeal joint capsule and 1 of the following procedures: Johnson transfer of the extensor hallucis longus tendon with arthrodesis of the hallux interphalangeal joint (41 feet); Hawkins transfer of the abductor hallucis tendon (9 feet); reverse Hawkins transfer (7 feet); Valtin transfer of the first dorsal interosseous tendon (7 feet); and Myerson transfer of the extensor hallucis brevis tendon (4 feet). The weighted mean age of the patients was 50.4 years, and the weighted mean follow-up was 30.2 months. A total of 11 complications (16.2%) occurred. Of note, only 3 cases (4.4%) of recurrent hallux varus deformity developed, all of which occurred after Johnson transfer of the extensor hallucis longus tendon, with arthrodesis of the hallux interphalangeal joint. Our results support that sustainable correction of iatrogenic flexible hallux varus can be achieved with soft-tissue release of the first metatarsal-phalangeal joint combined with a variety of tendon transfer procedures. However, given the limited data available, potential areas for additional prospective investigation remain.     

Effect of rotational malposition of the femoral component on knee stability kinematics after total knee arthroplasty

Excessive external rotation of the femoral component can cause an abnormally tight popliteus tendon complex, which induces loss of rotational laxity of the knee in the late phase of knee flexion after total knee arthroplasty. This study evaluated the effect of popliteus tendon release on rotational and varus—valgus laxity of implanted knees with an excessively externally rotated femoral component. Rotational and varus—valgus laxity was measured with a knee kinematics testing device before and after total knee arthroplasty. External rotational positions of the femoral component of 5° and 8° were compared, and the effects of popliteus tendon release on rotational and varus—valgus laxity were evaluated. To further investigate this question, the effect of a conforming articular design was compared with that of a flat tibial surface. External rotational position of 5° did not change rotational or varus—valgus laxity of the knee. With an 8° external rotational position, however, external rotational laxity significantly decreased in knees with a conforming surface at angles of 30°, 45°, 60°, and 90°. After popliteus tendon release, external rotational laxity significantly improved at 90° flexion and was identical to that of the normal knee. Internal rotational range was similar before and after popliteus tendon release. Popliteus tendon release did not affect the varus—valgus laxity (stability) with either articular surface.     

Modifizierte Evans-Osteotomie zur operativen Behandlung des erworbenen Knick-Platt-Fußes

OBJECTIVE: Restoration of the longitudinal arch of the foot and reorientation of the hindfoot for painful decompensating flatfoot (pes planovalgus) due to posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. INDICATIONS: Passively correctable, painful pes planovalgus of various etiologies such as stage II flatfoot as graded by Johnson & Strom mostly due to degeneration of the posterior tibial tendon in stage II-III as described by Jahss. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Fixed pes planovalgus, osteoporosis of the calcaneus, advanced degenerative arthritis of the subtalar, talonavicular or calcaneocuboid joints. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Transverse osteotomy of the anterior process of the calcaneus approximately 1.5 cm proximal of and parallel to the calcaneocuboid joint. Lengthening of the lateral column using the sandwich technique by the interposition of one to two autologous, tricortical bone grafts, which are structured to straighten the hindfoot and to move it toward neutral position. If the technique is performed correctly, the talus and the calcaneus are in alignment. When the talar head is externally rotated and the calcaneus is moved toward varus, this results in axial alignment of the abducted forefoot and straightening of the collapsed longitudinal arch of the foot. RESULTS: Between June 1995 and March 2003, 21 patients with stage II painful pes planovalgus as described by Johnson & Strom underwent a modified Evans osteotomy. In one case an arthrodesis of the first tarsometatarsal joint was carried out, and in four cases a lengthening of the gastrocnemius muscle according to Strayer. A replacement of the insufficient posterior tibial tendon was not necessary in any of the cases. With respect to complications one wound edge necrosis and one nonunion were seen. 15 patients (eleven women, four men, average age 54 years) were followed up for an average of 48 months (12-81 months) postoperatively. The Maryland Foot Score improved significantly from 49.6 points preoperatively to 87.8 points postoperatively (p < 0.01). In the cases of one-sided deformity the foot axes in the weight-bearing radiographs were corrected to being close to the physiologic values of the opposite side.     

Repair of the Deltoid Ligament Using Posterior Tibial Tendon Autograft:A Novel Technique

Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD) is a progressive disorder secondary to advanced degeneration of the posterior tibial tendon, leading to the abduction of the forefoot, valgus rotation of the hindfoot, and collapse of the medial longitudinal arch. Eventually, the disease becomes so advanced that it begins to affect the deltoid ligament over time. This attenuation and eventual tear of the deltoid ligament leads to valgus deformity of the ankle. Surgical correction of PTTD is performed to protect the ankle joint at all costs. Generally, this is performed using osteotomies of the calcaneus and repair or augmentation of the deltoid ligament. Unfortunately, there has been no universal procedure adapted by foot and ankle surgeons for repair or augmentation of the deltoid ligament. Articles have discussed the use of suture and suture anchors, suture tape, nonanatomic allograft repair, nonanatomic autograft repair with plantaris, peroneal and extensor halluces longus tendons to repair and augment the deltoid ligament. There is very little literature, however, in regard to using the posterior tibial tendon to augment the deltoid ligament in accordance with hindfoot fusion for end-stage PTTD deformity. In general, the posterior tibial tendon in triple and medial double arthrodesis is generally removed because it is thought to be a pain generator. This article presents a case study and novel technique using the posterior tibial tendon to augment and repair the laxity of the deltoid ligament in an advanced flatfoot deformity.     

Flexor digitorum longus transfer and medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy for the treatment of stage II posterior tibial tendon dysfunction: kinematic and functional results of fifty one feet

Purpose

Stage II posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD) can be treated by flexor digitorum longus (FDL) tendon transfer and medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy (MDCO). Numerous authors have studied the clinical and radiographic results of this procedure. However, little is known about the kinematic changes. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess plantar-pressure distribution in these patients.

Methods

Seventy-three patients with PTTD stage II underwent FDL tendon transfer and MDCO. Plantar pressure distribution and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score were assessed 48 months after surgery. Pedobarographic parameters included lateral and medial force index of the gait line, peak pressure (PP), maximum force (MF), contact area (CA), contact time (CT) and force-time integral (FTI).

Results

In the lesser-toe region, PP, MF, CT, FTI and CA were reduced and MF in the forefoot region was increased. These changes were statistically significant. We found statistically significant correlations between AOFAS score and loading parameters of the medial midfoot.

Conclusions

Study results reveal that FDL tendon transfer and MDCO leads to impaired function of the lesser toes during the stance phase. However, there seems to be a compensating increased load in the forefoot region.     

Transposition of the posterior tibial tendon

The posterior tibial tendon was rerouted by the technique described by Baker and Hill in 35 feet of children with a dynamic varus deformity due to spastic cerebral palsy. The average follow-up period was 11.4 years. In ten of the feet, rerouting of the posterior tibial tendon was the only procedure performed. Eight of the ten feet obtained a satisfactory correction. There were no overcorrection problems in these ten feet. In the remaining 25 feet, the Baker-Hill procedure was done concurrently with other procedures, such as lengthening of the triceps surae (22 feet), calcaneal osteotomy (two feet), or plantar fascia release (two feet). The dynamic equinovarus deformity was corrected in all 25, but three subsequently developed a cavus deformity. This was probably caused by excessive weakening of the triceps surae rather than transposition of the posterior tibial tendon. Based on this study, anterior rerouting of the posterior tibial tendon seems to be a simple, safe, and generally effective procedure for correction of dynamic varus of the spastic hindfoot in children with cerebral palsy.     

Tendon transfer options in managing the adult flexible flatfoot

Patients undergoing surgery for posterior tibial tendon dysfunction may require tendon transfer. The flexor digitorum longus is most commonly transferred, although the flexor hallucis longus and peroneus brevis have also been described in the literature. This article discusses the advantages and disadvantages of the different tendons, the surgical techniques used to perform them, and their results in the literature, concentrating principally on studies in which additional bone procedures were not performed. This article will also discuss the potential role for isolated soft tissue procedures in the treatment of stage 2 posterior tibial tendon dysfunction.     

Peroneus longus tendon lengthening as an adjuvant measure in cavus foot surgery.

Lengthening of the peroneus longus tendon is very important when performing cavus foot surgery. This tendon directly affects all three components (varus heel, increased arch height, and forefoot adduction) of the idiopathic cavus foot which can be accounted for by increased strength and activity of the peroneus muscle. The deforming force is removed or weakened according to the degree, duration and rigidity of the cavus foot by lengthening or transferring the tendon.     

Abductor hallucis release in congenital metatarsus varus

Summary Adduction of the forefoot diagnosed in the young child generally corrects spontaneously. Resistant forefoot adduction is usually combined with a degree of supination of the forefoot and described as congenital metatarsus varus.In true congenital metatarsus varus there is a contraction or shortening of the abductor hallucis muscle and tendon which is considered to be the primary deforming factor.In the early severe or resistant deformity correction can be achieved by either division of the tendon with release of its capsular attachment, or, in the more severe deformity, by complete release of the abductor hallucis muscle from its extensive attachment to bone and soft tissues.

---

Résumé L'adduction de l'avant-pied découverte chez l'enfant jeune se corrige spontanément en règle générale. Dans le cas contraire, elle s'associe habituellement à un certain degré de supination de l'avant-pied et elle est alors décrite comme metatarsus varus congénital.Dans le véritable metatarsus varus congénital il existe une rétraction ou une brièveté du tendon et du muscle abducteur du 1 ^er orteil que l'on considère comme le facteur déterminant de la déformation.Dans les cas de déformation d'emblée sévère ou persistante, la correction peut être obtenue soit par section du tendon et de son insertion sur la capsule, soit, dans les cas les plus graves, par désinsertion complète du muscle abducteur du 1 ^er orteil, tant au niveau de l'os que des parties molles.