Operative treatment of the difficult stage 2 adult acquired flatfoot deformity

In the flexible pes planovalgus deformity of stage 2 posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, osteotomies appear to have a significant role in operative management by restoring more normal biomechanics, allowing tendon transfers to function successfully. The options when considering osteotomies for stage 2 disease include lateral column lengthening, medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy, and combined double osteotomy technique. The tight Achilles tendon should be lengthened as well. Lateral column lengthening has been used extensively for treatment of flexible flatfeet. It has been shown clinically and radiographically to address all 3 components of the pes planovalgus deformity present in stage 2 posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. Lateral column lengthening is used in combination with a medial soft tissue rebalancing procedure. The mechanism of action is still speculative but clearly is not owing to tensioning of the plantar fascia as previously thought. Despite the excellent correction of foot posture obtained by use of lateral column lengthening for adult acquired flatfoot, many clinicians have reservations about its use because of reported secondary increases in the calcaneocuboid joint pressures. This increase in pressure has been shown to occur experimentally, increasing the potential risk of calcaneocuboid joint arthrosis. This experimental evidence is supported by Phillips' study of the original Evans procedure, which resulted in a 65% incidence of calcaneocuboid joint arthrosis at 13-year follow-up. Mosier-LaClair et al reported a 14% incidence of calcaneocuboid joint arthritis at 5-year follow-up after double osteotomy for stage 2 posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. This incidence has not been proved true in the remainder of the literature surrounding this procedure and its use for flexible flatfoot. To address the concern regarding potential calcaneocuboid arthrosis secondary to lateral column lengthening, calcaneocuboid joint distraction arthrodesis has been explored as an alternative technique. The results show good initial correction, but the follow-up is extremely limited, and one study reported loss of correction over time. Longer follow-up is needed to determine whether or not this technique would provide the lasting correction seen with the Evans procedure. Calcaneocuboid joint lengthening arthrodesis does result in some limitation of adjacent hindfoot motion. Although this limitation is significantly less compared with talonavicular and subtalar joint fusion, this procedure may result in increased local pressures and arthrosis of the midfoot or hindfoot. For the above-mentioned reasons, longer follow-up studies are needed to determine whether calcaneocuboid joint distraction arthrodesis would prove to be a reliable and safe alternative for lateral column lengthening in the treatment of adult acquired flatfoot. Medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy has been used for correction of the pes planovalgus foot in posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. It has been used extensively for the surgical treatment of flexible flatfoot throughout the literature. Medial displacement osteotomy, in combination with flexor digitorum longus tendon transfer, can address all 3 components of adult acquired flatfoot. It does not recreate the medial longitudinal arch in all patients, however. Although the mechanism of action of medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy is unknown, it has been proved that it is not through the tightening of the plantar fascia in a windlass effect as previously thought. In contrast to lateral column lengthening, however, medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy does address the deforming valgus force of the Achilles tendon. Functionally transferring the insertion of the Achilles tendon medially removes a constant valgus-deforming force. The osteotomy can then act as a double tendon transfer with the flexor digitorum longus tendon to aid in foot inversion. For stage 2 posterior tibial tendon insufficiency, the authors favor the combination double osteotomy technique with a flexor digitorum longus tendon-to-medial cuneiform tendon transfer, débridement or removal of the posterior tibial tendon, and percutaneous heel cord lengthening. Early results were positive at 1.5 years after surgery with respect to maintenance of correction and functional improvement with no evidence of calcaneocuboid arthrosis. More recently, the intermediate 5-year follow-up has been assessed for this combination of procedures, and similar results were found. There was a high rate of patient satisfaction and functional improvement, and surgical correction of the flatfoot deformity was maintained and compared favorably with the contralateral normal foot. Although the intermediate follow-up found a 14% incidence of calcaneocuboid arthrosis, 50% of these patients had preoperative evidence of calcaneocuboid joint arthritis. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED)     

Intermediate follow-up on the double osteotomy and tendon transfer procedure for stage II posterior tibial tendon insufficiency

26 patients with 28 pes planovalgus feet secondary to Johnson stage 2 posterior tibial tendon insufficiency were treated with flexor digitorum longus tendon transfer, lateral column lengthening, medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy, and heel cord lengthening. The mean patient age at surgery was 48.5 years. The AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scale was applied postoperatively to assess clinical outcome. Preoperative and postoperative standing radiographs of the foot and ankle were analyzed to determine radiographic correction of the pes planovalgus deformities. The mean follow-up to date is 5 years. The mean ankle-hindfoot score was 90 postoperatively. The medial cuneiform to fifth metatarsal distance improved from -0.2 mm preoperatively to 7.6 mm postoperatively. Similarly, the talonavicular distance improved from 19.4 mm preoperatively to 10.9 postoperatively. There were no nonunions. Four feet (14%) displayed radiographic signs of calcaneocuboid arthritis at follow-up. Only one was symptomatic requiring calcaneocuboid joint fusion. The double osteotomy technique provides symptomatic relief and lasting correction of the pes planovalgus deformity associated with stage 2 posterior tibial tendon insufficiency at intermediate follow-up. It has a high patient satisfaction based on the AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scale and radiographic measurements demonstrate maintenance of correction of the adult acquired flatfoot.     

Preliminary results comparing two methods of lateral column lengthening

Forty-five patients (49 feet) underwent lateral column lengthening as treatment for painful pes planus. Twenty-five patients (27 feet) were available for both radiographic and clinical evaluation at least one year postoperatively. Of these 25 patients, 10 feet underwent Evans opening wedge osteotomy with tricortical iliac crest bone graft; 17 feet underwent calcaneocuboid distraction arthrodesis utilizing iliac crest bone graft. In addition, both groups underwent debridement of the posterior tibial tendon combined with transfer of the flexor digitorum longus into the navicular for reinforcement. Radiographic results documented marked improvement in all parameters. There was more improvement in the calcaneocuboid fusion group than the osteotomy group, but the difference was not statistically significant. Postoperative AOFAS rating scores averaged 87.9 for the osteotomy group and 80.9 for the distraction arthrodesis group. The difference was not statistically significant. Twenty of 25 patients (83.5%) in both groups were very satisfied. Twenty-four of 25 patients (96%) stated that knowing the final result they would have the same surgery again. Complications were reported for 32 patients (34 feet). Both the Evans opening wedge calcaneal osteotomy and calcaneocuboid distraction arthrodesis offer significant improvement in the radiographic parameters and AOFAS clinical scores for patients with painful, flexible flatfoot deformity. However, the complication rate remains high with both methods, and the rate of nonunion and delayed union with the calcaneocuboid distraction arthrodesis method remains a significant problem with this technique.     

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.     

Lateral Column Lengthening for Acquired Adult Flatfoot Deformity Caused by Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction Stage II: A Retrospective Comparison of Calcaneus Osteotomy with Calcaneocuboid Distraction Arthrodesis

In this study, clinical and radiological results after lateral column lengthening by calcaneocuboid distraction arthrodesis and calcaneus osteotomy were compared. Thirty-three patients (35 feet) treated with lateral column lengthening by distraction arthrodesis (14 patients, 16 feet; group I) or by calcaneus osteotomy (19 patients, 19 feet; group II) for adult-acquired flatfoot deformity caused by stage II posterior tibial tendon dysfunction were compared retrospectively. Mean follow-up was 42.4 months (range, 6-78 months) for group I and 15.8 months (range, 6-32 months) for group II (P < .001). The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot score was determined, 4 variables were measured on preoperative and postoperative weight-bearing radiographs, and a number of independent and outcome variables, including patient satisfaction, were recorded. Group 2 had a significantly higher American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society score compared with group I (mean, 85 vs. 72, respectively; P < .02) at time of last follow-up, and there were no dissatisfied patients in group I, whereas 2 patients in group II were dissatisfied with the result of the operation. All radiological results were significantly better at time of follow-up in both groups (except for talocalcaneal angle in group I), although no significant differences were noted in the amount of change in radiographic measurements between the groups. No significant correlation was found between follow-up time and radiographic improvement, indicating stable radiographic measurements over time. In group II, 13 mild calcaneocuboid subluxations were observed. In both groups, 1 nonunion and 1 wound complication occurred. Based on our experience with the patients described in this report, we recommend lateral column lengthening by means of calcaneus osteotomy rather than distraction arthrodesis of the calcaneocuboid joint, for correction of stage II posterior tibial tendon dysfunction.     

Lengthening of the lateral column and reconstruction of the medial soft tissue for treatment of acquired flatfoot deformity associated with insufficiency of the posterior tibial tendon.

We analyzed our results of surgery for acquired flatfoot deformity after dysfunction of the posterior tibial tendon. This included lengthening the proximal lateral column by calcaneal osteotomy and reconstructing the medial soft tissue. Nineteen patients (9 women and 10 men; average age, 52.9 years [range, 24-72 years]) were treated for stage II and stage II-III insufficiency of the posterior tibial tendon. The medial soft tissue surgery included 18 reconstructions of the tendon, 11 transfers of the flexor digitorum longus tendon, 13 repairs of the deltoid ligament, and 3 repairs of the spring ligament. At follow-up (mean, 23.4 months), all patients had satisfactory restoration of their medial longitudinal arch, reduction of abduction in the forefoot, and restored height in the arch. All patients were able to bear weight fully on the foot that underwent surgery, and all but one were satisfied with the result achieved. The clinical result was rated as excellent in 6, good in 11, and fair in 2 cases. In all but one case, no loss of achieved correction in the foot was found. In one case, the calcaneocuboid joint had to undergo arthrodesis after 5 months because of painful degenerative joint disease. In the pes planovalgus and abductus deformities occurring in stage II disease, calcaneal osteotomy and reconstruction of the medial tendon and ligament seem to play a significant role in operative management. This was the case only when degenerative joint disease and significant subluxation of the subtalar or talonavicular joint or both had not already occurred. They seem to function by restoring more normal biomechanics, which allows reconstructed or transferred tendon to function successfully.     

Posterior calcaneal osteotomy with wedge: cadaver testing of a new procedure for insufficiency of the posterior tibial tendon.

Insufficiency of the posterior tibial tendon is challenging to treat. When the deformity is flexible, treatment options have included tendon transfer, often combined with a medial slide calcaneal osteotomy and/or a lengthening of the lateral column. Posterior calcaneal osteotomy has been shown to give correction, although not full correction. Lengthening of the lateral column also has been shown to give correction and has been used in the more severe flexible deformities, but it involves either fusion of the calcaneocuboid joint or risk of arthritis at this joint. An osteotomy combining the calcaneal medial slide with a lengthening of the lateral column at the same osteotomy site has been tested in the laboratory. This combined osteotomy provides a lengthening of the lateral column, but it is positioned away from the calcaneocuboid joint. In this study, the osteotomy was compared with a medial slide calcaneal osteotomy and an Evans lengthening of the lateral column, using a cadaver flatfoot model. Radiographic measurements were made to evaluate correction of the planovalgus deformity after each of these procedures. There was statistically significant improved correction with the new osteotomy compared with that in a standard medial slide, and correction was comparable to that in the lengthening of the lateral column. This combined osteotomy may be a reasonable alternative when more correction is desired than can be obtained from a medial slide alone and when the surgeon wishes to avoid an osteotomy near the calcaneocuboid joint.     

Adult acquired flexible flatfoot, treated by calcaneocuboid distraction arthrodesis, posterior tibial tendon augmentation, and percutaneous Achilles tendon lengthening: a prospective outcome study of 20 patients

BACKGROUND: Several methods for the treatment of acquired flexible flatfoot have been described. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We followed the outcome of calcaneocuboid distraction arthrodesis with lengthening of the lateral column prospectively in 20 patients (20 feet). The mean age of the patients was 55 (30-66) years and 16 were women. The lateral column lengthening was combined with percutaneous lengthening of the Achilles tendon and augmentation of the posterior tibial tendon in all patients. Fixed forefoot supination, hallux valgus, and/or symptomatic arthrosis, were corrected with arthrodesis of the first cuneiform-metatarsal joint (n = 8) and arthrodesis of the naviculocuneiform joint (n = 2). The Foot Function Index (FFI) and American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Clinical Rating Index hindfoot score (CRI) were completed preoperatively and at follow-up. Follow-up time was 25 (13-39) months. All patients were physically examined at follow-up at the outpatient clinic, and the overall satisfaction rate was registered. Standardized weight-bearing radiographs were taken preoperatively and at follow-up. The lateral and dorsoplantar talometatarsal angle was measured, together with the ground-navicular distance. RESULTS: At follow-up, 17/20 feet had complete relief of pain or only minor symptoms. The overall patient satisfaction rate was excellent or good in 15 patients and 17 patients reported an increase in daily and/or recreational activities. 3 patients complained of pain at the distraction site and/or cuboid-MT5 joint, without signs of arthrosis. All but 1 patient would have chosen to undergo the same procedure given the same circumstances. The improvement in both the FFI and CRI was statistically significant. On radiographic examination, the lateral and dorsoplantar talometatarsal angle and the ground-navicular distance improved significantly. Nonunion developed in 2 patients and united after bone grafting. 3 patients had either paresthesia or anesthesia in the distribution area of the sural nerve. INTERPRETATION: We found good short-term results after calcaneocuboid distraction arthrodesis, percutaneous tendon Achilles lengthening, and medial soft tissue augmentation for the treatment of degenerative/acquired flexible flatfoot. Pain or discomfort along the lateral aspect of the foot is the most common and worrying postoperative complaint.     

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.     

Subtalar arthrodesis for treatment of posterior tibial tendon insufficiency

Subtalar arthrodesis is an effective treatment of the planovalgus deformity of posterior tibial tendon insufficiency that provides stable and reliable results with minimal complications. Disadvantages include the risk of symptomatic adjacent joint arthrosis at long-term follow-up and less clinical and radiographic correction of the deformity as compared with other reconstructive options, which may make the joint-preserving procedures more attractive for the primary treatment of patients with a flexible pes planovalgus deformity without subtalar pain.     

Effects of a UCBL orthosis and a calcaneal osteotomy on tibiotalar contact characteristics in a cadaver flatfoot model

BACKGROUND: A flatfoot deformity alters the contact characteristics of the ankle joint, shifting the location of articulation posterolaterally, increasing pressure, and decreasing the contact area within the ankle. These changes may explain the pattern of articular degeneration and subsequent angulation observed in a long-standing adult acquired flatfoot. Corrective orthoses and surgical reconstruction have been used to realign pes planovalgus feet, but the effects of these treatments on tibiotalar contact characteristics are unknown. We hypothesized that realignment of a flatfoot with either corrective orthosis or surgical reconstruction would restore the contact characteristics of the ankle to the intact state. METHODS: The mean value of the contact area, contact pressure, peak contact pressure, and the relative locations of the global contact area and peak pressure within the ankle joint were determined from imprints created on pressure sensitive film for a series of cadaver lower limbs subjected to a weightbearing load in simulated midstance phase of gait. Each limb was loaded sequentially under four conditions: intact, flatfoot, flatfoot realigned with UCBL orthosis, and flatfoot realigned with a medial translational osteotomy of the calcaneus. RESULTS: The use of the UCBL orthosis and calcaneal osteotomy altered the contact characteristics of the ankle when compared with the flatfoot condition. Both interventions significantly decreased the mean global contact pressure from the flatfoot value, with the orthosis, demonstrating a significantly greater correction than the osteotomy. The orthosis also significantly reduced the peak contact pressure from the flatfoot value. Both interventions significantly corrected the lateral shift of the center of the peak contact pressure from the flatfoot value. The shift in the center of the global contact area approached significance when the orthosis was compared with the flatfoot. CONCLUSIONS: The changes observed in the magnitude and location of the mean and peak pressures indicate that the UCBL orthosis and calcaneal osteotomy altered hindfoot alignment to significantly influence tibiotalar contact characteristics. The results further suggest that the UCBL orthosis corrected ankle malalignment better than the calcaneal osteotomy in an adult acquired flatfoot. This study provides biomechanical data to support the clinical impression that realignment of the hindfoot corrects the pathologic tibiotalar contact characteristics associated with an adult acquired flatfoot. The results support the conclusion that the clinical management of a pes planovalgus foot with a UCBL orthosis or a medial translational osteotomy of the calcaneus may avert the onset of pantalar disease seen with late-stage posterior tibial tendon dysfunction.     

Calcaneocuboid distraction arthrodesis for posterior tibial tendon dysfunction and flatfoot: a cadaveric study

Nine fresh-frozen foot specimens were studied to determine the mechanical behavior of the foot using calcaneocuboid distraction arthrodesis, an operation designed for treatment of posterior tibial tendon dysfunction with flatfoot deformity. Flatfoot deformity was created in cadaveric specimens, and to simulate toe-off phase of gait, loads were applied to the plantar surface of the foot and six tendons. Three-dimensional tarsal bone positions were determined with a magnetic tracking system. With ligament sectioning, flatfoot deformity was observed and average arch height decreased 53 +/- 3.5 mm. Height arch increased after calcaneocuboid distraction arthrodesis an average of 3.2 +/- 3.6 mm and was less than normal arch at an average of 2.1 +/- 2.4 mm. Metatarsotalar alignment compared with flatfoot improved after calcaneocuboid distraction arthrodesis in adduction and inversion to the extent that these were not significantly different from intact foot positions. Calcaneotalar position improved after calcaneocuboid distraction arthrodesis in adduction and inversion. Calcaneocuboid alignment compared with flatfoot improved after calcaneocuboid distraction arthrodesis in adduction, plantar flexion, and eversion, but compared with an intact foot was overcorrected in all three planes of motion. Arch alignment in simulated toe-off phase of gait in cadaveric feet was improved significantly with calcaneocuboid distraction arthrodesis but was not reduced anatomically.     

Arthrodesis of the subtalar and talonavicular joints for correction of symptomatic hindfoot malalignment

BACKGROUND: Triple arthrodesis has long been used for the treatment of painful malalignment or arthritis of the hindfoot. However, the effect of fusion on adjacent joints has sparked interest in a more limited arthrodesis in patients without involvement of the calcaneocuboid joint. METHOD: Results of 16 feet in 14 patients who had a modified double arthrodesis for symptomatic flatfoot, cavovarus deformity, or hindfoot arthritis were reviewed retrospectively with a minimum followup of 18 (range 18 to 93) months. The most common diagnosis contributing to the hindfoot deformity was pes planovalgus. All operations were done with a consistent technique using rigid internal fixation with screws. In 15 feet, a concomitant gastrocnemius recession for equinus contracture was done at the time of the primary surgery. Clinical evaluation was based on the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Scale in addition to subjective assessments of pain, function, shoewear, cosmesis, and overall satisfaction. Radiographic evaluation included measurements of the anterior-posterior talo-second metatarsal angle, lateral talocalcaneal angle, and lateral talo-first metatarsal angle, and notation of arthritic changes of the ankle, calcaneocuboid, and midfoot joints, as well as an assessment of time to union of all arthrodeses. RESULTS: The average AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot Scale improved from 44.7 preoperatively to 77.0 postoperatively (p < 0.01). Subjectively, patients experienced improvements in pain, function, cosmesis, and shoewear. Overall, all patients were satisfied and would have the procedure again under similar circumstances. Radiographically, all parameters statistically improved. There was an increase in arthritic scores for six ankle, six calcaneocuboid, and five midfoot joints. One talonavicular joint nonunion occurred in a rheumatoid patient, requiring revision arthrodesis. CONCLUSIONS: We have concluded that simultaneous arthrodesis of the talonavicular and subtalar joints is a reasonable treatment in the subset of patients with symptomatic hindfoot malalignment whose calcaneocuboid joints are not involved in the primary disease.     

Double arthrodesis in the adult

Twenty-four double arthrodeses (24 patients) were evaluated at an average of 56 months postoperatively. Sixteen arthrodeses were performed for adult acquired flatfoot attributable to posterior tibial tendon insufficiency (16 patients), and results were compared with the results of eight patients undergoing arthrodesis for other diagnoses. The overall satisfaction rate was 83%, with 76% of patients having good and excellent results. Considerable improvements were observed in pain and function indices, with similar outcomes observed in the patients with and without acquired flatfoot. However, complications were more frequent in the patients who had flatfoot deformities. Clinical deformity was corrected reliably and radiographic parameters confirmed correction of deformity. Progression of arthrosis in the surrounding joints was common, but most patients were asymptomatic. Talonavicular nonunion was the most frequent complication, occurring in four patients. Three of the patients underwent revision arthrodesis.     

Spectrum of operative treatments and clinical outcomes for atraumatic osteoarthritis of the tarsometatarsal joints

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to identify subtypes of atraumatic osteoarthritis of the tarsometatarsal joints based on accompanying foot deformities and to determine whether concurrent procedures done for each subtype were effective. METHODS: The study included 59 patients (67 feet) with atraumatic tarsometatarsal joint osteoarthritis treated with tarsometatarsal fusion. The average patient age was 60.2 years with 40.6 months followup. Patients were evaluated with radiographs, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Midfoot Scale, the Foot Function Index, and the Short Form-36 Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36). RESULTS: Four main subtypes were identified based on associated foot deformities: pes planovalgus (27), hallux valgus (11), in-situ without deformities (eight), and rockerbottom (five). Plantar-medial closing-wedge resection was used to correct rockerbottom deformity. For pes planovalgus deformity, a medial sliding calcaneal osteotomy was done. Lateral column lengthening with medial sliding calcaneal osteotomy was done for tarsometatarsal osteoarthritis with severe pes planovalgus, and triple arthrodesis was done for rigid pes planovalgus. Tarsometatarsal osteoarthritis with hallux valgus deformity was corrected with the Lapidus procedure. There were 29 complications, most commonly sesamoid pain. The pes planovalgus group showed significant radiographic improvements in four of five parameters measured. AOFAS scores improved from retrospectively assigned preoperative 34.1 points to postoperative 83.9 points. The Foot Function Index showed a high satisfaction rate (86.6%). SF-36 scores averaged 50.6 postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: When feet with atraumatic tarsometatarsal osteoarthritis are classified into four main categories based on associated deformities, appropriate concurrent procedures can be done with high satisfaction and improved function scores. Pes planovalgus feet, in particular, may benefit from concurrent procedures with improved radiographic measures.     

Different faces of the triple arthrodesis

Patients with severe pes planovalgus or cavovarus foot deformities who fail conservative treatment may require a triple arthrodesis. Modifying the triple arthrodesis to include extended bone wedge resections allows for improved correction. The goal of each procedure is to obtain a less painful, plantigrade foot, and to improve function. Additional hindfoot or midfoot osteotomies may be needed in the modified triple arthrodesis. Midfoot or forefoot cavus can be addressed with either the Japas, Cole, or Jahss osteotomies, as described above. Residual hindfoot valgus can be adequately corrected with a medial displacement osteotomy of the calcaneus. Residual hindfoot varus is preferably corrected through a lateral closing wedge calcaneal osteotomy. This allows for adequate correction without the need for bone graft or an extended medial incision in the area of the tibial neurovascular bundle. Good results have been obtained with these types of complicated reconstructive procedures.     

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.     

Medial Displacement Calcaneal Osteotomy with Posterior Tibial Tendon Reconstruction for the Flexible Flatfoot with Symptomatic Accessory Navicular

We investigated the clinical outcomes after medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy with reconstruction of the posterior tibial tendon insertion on the navicular, in patients with flexible flatfoot with accessory navicular symptoms. From December 2008 to July 2011, 16 patients (21 feet) with a flexible flatfoot, symptomatic accessory navicular, and obvious heel valgus underwent medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy and reconstruction with posterior tibial tendon insertion on the navicular bone. The patients were evaluated preoperatively, 6 weeks and 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively, and every 6 months thereafter. The clinical examination was undertaken using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle and midfoot scores. The radiologic assessments included the arch height, calcaneus inclination angle, talocalcaneal angle, and talar first metatarsal angle on the lateral weightbearing radiograph. The talocalcaneal angle and talar first metatarsal angle was assessed on the anteroposterior view of the weightbearing foot. Heel valgus alignment was assessed on the axial hindfoot radiographs. The mean follow-up duration was 28.5 months (range 18 to 48). All patients were satisfied with the clinical results and were pain free 6 months postoperatively. No cases of wound infection or nerve injury developed. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score improved from 53.3 ± 6.5 to 90.8 ± 1.4 at the last follow-up visit (p < .01). The improvements in all radiographic parameters were statistically significant between the preoperative and last follow-up examinations (p < .01). The heel valgus of all patients was corrected. Our results have shown that medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy with reconstruction of the posterior tibial tendon insertion on the navicular bone is an effective treatment of flexible flatfoot with symptomatic accessory navicular, associated with excellent clinical outcomes and correction of the deformity.     

Medial approach to the severe valgus foot

Management of the end-stage adult acquired flatfoot has historically been accomplished with a traditional two-incision triple arthrodesis. Although this procedure is well accepted, complications such as lateral wound dehiscence, nonunion, undercorrection, and residual deformity have been reported. The medial approach double arthrodesis is presented to offer the foot and ankle surgeon an alternative option to the long-standing, severe valgus foot. It has been the author's experience that the medial approach has fewer wound complications, higher union rates, and shorter operative and recovery times. Additionally, it is thought to provide similar correction as the traditional triple arthrodesis while alleviating the need for grafting of the calcaneocuboid joint.     

Lateral column lenghtening by calcaneal osteotomy combined with soft tissue reconstruction for treatment of severe posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. Technique and preliminary results

The purpose of this paper is to present principle and technique of proximal lateral column lengthening by calcaneal osteotomy and to critically analyze our preliminary results. 16 patients (7 female, 9 male; average age 52.3 years [24-72 years]) were treated for stage II to III posterior tibial tendon insufficiency by calcaneal osteotomy and medial soft tissue reconstruction (tendon reconstruction, 15; tendon transfer, 8; deltoid ligament repair, 10). When the AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot Rating Scale was applied, these patients were shown to have significantly increased their scores from an average preoperative value of 49.1 to a mean postoperative value of 91.1 after a mean follow-up of 24.6 months. In all but one case no loss of achieved foot correction was noted. In one case, a fusion of the calcaneocuboid joint had to be performed after 5 months due to painful degenerative joint disease. At follow-up, all patients had satisfactory restoration of their medial longitudinal arch, reduction of forefoot abduction, and restored arch height. All patients were able to fully weight-bear the operated foot, and all patients were satisfied with the achieved result. In the pes planovalgus deformity occurring in stage II to III (as significant degenerative joint disease has not already occurred), osteotomies appear to have a significant role in the operative management and to function by restoring more normal biomechanics, thus allowing tendon reconstruction and tendon transfers to return to successful function.