Plantar Approach for Midfoot Wedge Resection to Reconstruct the Rocker Bottom Foot

Chronic deformity of the foot can lead to ulceration, infection, and amputation. Midfoot wedge osteotomy for deformity correction has been described in the literature; however, most reports are case review or small series. Wedge osteotomy can be performed from a medial or plantar approach, but there are limited data on outcomes regarding these relatively uncommon procedures. This study aims to review a population of patients with a rocker bottom foot deformity that underwent a midfoot wedge resection performed from the plantar surface for deformity correction, wound healing, and limb salvage. A review of medical records from a single foot and ankle surgeon was undertaken. Patients who had a midfoot wedge performed from the plantar surface to address rocker bottom deformity resulting from Charcot neuroarthropathy or severe flatfoot were included. Thirty patients met inclusion criteria. The outcome measures evaluated were minor and major complications, wound healing, and functional limb status. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate factors that influenced outcomes. At time of final follow up, 17 of 20 (85%) preoperative wounds had healed. Mean preoperative talo-first metatarsal angle was –25° and improved to –5° postoperatively. An 87% limb salvage rate (26/30) was demonstrated. Body mass index was the only statistically significant factor that influenced functional limb status. Maintaining a functional limb can have profound effects on a patient's quality of life. Generally, patients with this severe rocker bottom foot deformity have multiple comorbidities and are at an increased risk of major amputation and early death. The current study has shown that patients with a rocker bottom foot deformity can benefit from midfoot wedge resection from a plantar approach to achieve a plantigrade foot.     

Dorsal bunion after clubfoot surgery: outcome of reverse Jones procedure

BACKGROUND: The dorsal bunion deformity consists of the elevation of first metatarsal head, plantar flexion contracture at the first metatarsophalangeal joint, and dorsiflexion contracture of the tarsometatarsal joint. A reverse Jones procedure with transfer of the flexor hallucis longus to the metatarsal head has been an effective method in correcting this deformity. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of 27 patients with 33 feet who had reverse Jones procedure with or without metatarsal osteotomy between 1983 and 2002. All patients had previous soft tissue releases for clubfoot deformity. Clinical reviews included muscle function test and radiographic evaluation before and after procedures. We used the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Hallux Metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal scale for functional outcome results. RESULTS: The average follow-up was 4.96 years. There were 21 boys and 6 girls. Average age at time of procedure was 13.7 years. With the reverse Jones procedure, there were 18 first metatarsal osteotomies and 12 split anterior tibial tendon transfers. Before surgery, decreased muscle strength in triceps surae (73%), tibialis posterior (76%), peroneus longus (67%), and extensor hallucis longus (76%) was noted. Patients (84.9%) had normal tibialis anterior and flexor hallucis longus power. In radiographic evaluations, the operation resulted in decreased elevation of the first metatarsal by measuring the metatarsal-horizontal angle. The lateral metatarsophalangeal angle improved from 23 degrees plantar flexion to 1 degree in dorsiflexion. The average global American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Hallux Metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal score was 70 preoperatively and 92 postoperatively with improvement of subscores in pain, activity, footwear, range of motion, callus, and alignment. CONCLUSIONS: Dorsal bunion is a recognized long-term complication after clubfoot surgery. The causes of the deformity are weakness of Achilles tendon, overpowering of flexor hallucis longus, and strong anterior tibial tendon with weakness of peroneus longus. The reverse Jones procedure improved the condition in this series and provided a long-lasting and effective correction of the dorsal bunion deformity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4.     

Outcomes of Eight‐Plate Epiphysiodesis for Residual Clubfoot Deformities

ObjectiveThe outcome of congenital clubfoot treatment is still challenging if the feet deformities are not completely corrected. Here we explore a minimal invasive procedure with an eight‐plate implant to correct the residual forefoot adduction deformity after treatment of neglected or relapsed clubfoot.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed patients with residual forefoot adduction deformity after clubfoot treatment between January 2013 and June 2016. The patients underwent temporary epiphysiodesis of the lateral column of the mid‐foot, which in detail, an eight‐plate was placed on each side of the calcaneocuboid joint. The foot deformities were recorded according to the weight‐bearing radiographic measurements including talo‐first metatarsal angle, calcaneo‐fifth metatarsal angle and medial‐to‐lateral column length.ResultsA total of 13 patients (20 feet) with an average age of 7.8 years old were located with an average duration of 40.8 months follow‐up (range, 28 to 54 months). The average talo‐first metatarsal angle improved from 28.3° (range, 19° to 47°) preoperatively to 8.3° (range, 3° to 18°) and the calcaneo‐fifth metatarsal angle improved from 29.1° (range, 19° to 40°) preoperatively to 8.4° (range, 0° to 21°) at final follow‐up. The mean ratio of the medial‐to‐lateral column length improved from 1.14 ± 0.06 to 1.55 ± 0.09 with statistical significance (t = 3.566; P < 0.001).ConclusionsEight‐plate epiphysiodesis is an easy and effective method for the correction of residual forefoot adduction deformity after clubfoot treatment in growing children without the need of osteotomy.     

Solid Bolt Fixation of the Medial Column in Charcot Midfoot Arthropathy

Charcot medial column and midfoot deformities are associated with rocker bottom foot, recurrent plantar ulceration, and consequent infection. The primary goal of surgical intervention is to realign and stabilize the plantar arch in a shoe-able, plantigrade alignment. Different fixation devices, including screws, plates, and external fixators, can be used to stabilize the Charcot foot; however, each of these methods has substantial disadvantages. To assess the effectiveness of rigid, minimally invasive fixation of the medial column and midfoot, 8 cases of solid intramedullary bolt fixation for symptomatic Charcot neuroarthropathy were reviewed. The patients included 6 males (75%) and 2 females (25%), with a mean age of 63 (range 46 to 80) years. The Charcot foot deformity was caused by diabetic neuropathy in 7 cases (87.5%) and alcoholic neuropathy in 1 (12.5%). The mean duration of postoperative follow-up period was 27 (range 12 to 44) months. The mean radiographic correction of the lateral talar–first metatarsal angle was 15° (range 3° to 19°), and the mean radiographic correction of the dorsal midfoot dislocation was 9 (range ?4 to 23) mm. The mean loss of correction of the lateral talar–first metatarsal angle and midfoot dislocation after surgery was 7° (range 0° to 26°) and 1 (range 0 to 7) mm, respectively. No bolt breakage was observed, and no cases of recurrent or residual ulceration occurred during the observation period. Bolt removal was performed in 3 cases (37.5%), 2 (25%) because of axial migration of the bolt into the ankle joint and 1 (12.5%) because of infection. The results of the present review suggest that a solid intramedullary bolt provides reasonable fixation for realignment of the medial column in cases of Charcot neuroarthropathy.     

Correlation of foot radiographs with foot function as analyzed by plantar pressure distribution

The goal of this study was to correlate radiographic measurements to the dynamic plantar pressure of the residual clubfoot. This was done by comparing radiographs and EMED plantar pressure results in 61 idiopathic clubfeet in 39 children at an average of 8 years after complete subtalar release. Radiographic measures were obtained using the standard method outlined by Simons, and pressure data were collected for eight regions of the foot. Pearson correlation analysis was performed and the most significant correlation was found between the calcaneal/first metatarsal angle in the lateral radiographic view (r = 0.72) and the midfoot contact area. In the anteroposterior view there was mild correlation between the talus/first metatarsal angle and both the peak pressure and plantar contact area. The results of this study indicate that radiographs used in concert with dynamic plantar pressure analysis will provide a more complete assessment of the corrected clubfoot.     

Treatment of severe residual clubfoot deformity by trans-midtarsal osteotomy.

This study reviews the preliminary results of transmidtarsal osteotomy performed on 11 patients (12 feet) who previously underwent surgery for resistant clubfoot and needed further surgery for severe residual deformities. Opening wedge medial cuneiform osteotomy, closing wedge cuboid osteotomy, and truncated wedge middle and lateral cuneiform osteotomy were performed. The procedure was performed initially on normal cadaver feet. The average improvement of anteroposterior talo-first metatarsal angle was 20 degrees and lateral calcaneo-first metatarsal angle was 16 degrees. The authors conclude that with this simple procedure, angular and rotational correction in three planes can be obtained simultaneously in severe residual clubfoot deformity without the need for extensive soft tissue release.     

Clinico-radiological assessment and their correlation in clubfeet treated with postero-medial soft-tissue release

The controversy regarding the radiographic parameter which best represents the various deformities of clubfoot continues. The aim of our study was to clear up this controversy. Fifty surgically treated (soft-tissue release) congenital clubfeet were studied clinically using Laaveg and Ponseti score and radiologically using twelve different radiographic parameters in weight-bearing AP and lateral views. The talo-calcaneal angle (TCA) in AP and lateral view showed statistically significant correlation with the functional rating, but significant variation in the dimension of the angles among the different functional groups was found with AP angle only. The talo-first metatarsal angle in AP and lateral view averaged 10 degrees and 19 degrees respectively, and showed significant correlation with the functional rating. The talo-navicular subluxation in AP, the calcaneo-fifth metatarsal angle and the first-fifth metatarsal angle in lateral view did not show any significant correlation with function. Talo-calcaneal index averaged 44 degrees in the clubfeet and showed significant correlation. The wide range of parameters representing each of the deformities gives a better radiological assessment of the clubfoot than any single parameter.     

Comparison of Extraosseous Talotarsal Stabilization Implants in a Stage II Adult-Acquired Flatfoot Model: A Finite Element Analysis

Subtalar arthroereisis has been proved to be an efficient method for correcting flexible adult flatfoot. However, the optimal sinus tarsi implant is still debated and yet to be determined. In the present study, we compared the biomechanical effects of type I and II sinus tarsi implants in stage II adult-acquired flatfoot deformity (AAFD). First, a finite element model of stage II AAFD was established in which virtual surgery of subtalar arthroereisis was simulated. The indexes of plantar stress distribution, peak von Mises of the medial and lateral columns, strain of the medial ligaments and plantar fascia, arch height, talo-first metatarsal angle, calcaneus pitch angle, talonavicular coverage angle, and hindfoot valgus angle were all compared and analyzed. The results of the present study have validated the stage II AAFD finite element model by comparing the simulation results with the same parameters measured from weightbearing radiographs in the midstance phase. All the indexes showed that both types of arthroereisis can lower the plantar pressure and the strain of the medial ligaments that support the medial longitudinal arch and can shift the load of the medial column to the lateral column. They can also help to correct the deformity and restore the arch. However, the type II sinus tarsi implant design exhibited a more obvious effect than that of type I.     

The lateral column lengthening and medial column stabilization procedures

The results of medial column stabilization, lateral column lengthening, and combined medial and lateral procedures were reviewed in the treatment of adult acquired flatfoot secondary to posterior tibialis tendon insufficiency. All bony procedures were accompanied by transfer of the flexor digitorum longus tendon to the medial cuneiform or stump of the posterior tibialis tendon and tendoachilles lengthening or gastrocnemius recession. Medial column fusion was performed for naviculocuneiform and cuneiform first metatarsal sag; lateral column lengthening was performed for calcaneovalgus deformity with a flat pitch angle; and combined procedures were performed for complex combined deformities. At 1 to 4 year followup of 65 feet, 88% of the feet that had lateral column lengthening, 80% that had medial column stabilization, and 88% of the feet that had medial and lateral procedures had a decrease in pain or were pain free. The lateral talar first metatarsal angle improved by 16 degrees in the patients in the lateral column lengthening group, 20 degrees in the patients in the medial column stabilization group, and 24 degrees in the patients in the combined medial and lateral procedures group. The anteroposterior talonavicular coverage angle improved by 14 degrees in the patients in the lateral column lengthening group, 10 degrees in the patients in the medial column stabilization group, and 14 degrees in the patients in the combined medial and lateral procedures group. These techniques effectively correct deformity without disrupting the essential joints of the hindfoot and midfoot.     

The natural history and longitudinal study of the surgically corrected clubfoot.

Surgical treatment for clubfoot has been largely directed at finding the best one-stage operation for the resistant clubfoot. Eighteen patients with 27 clubfeet (average follow-up 11 years since first surgery; range, 3.5-24 years) were reviewed. More than one clubfoot operation was required in 56% of cases. Forty-six percent were corrected after one surgery; 33% required a second surgery and 14% required a third operation. One patient with particularly severe feet required a fourth operation on each foot. The mean age at the time of surgery was 1.26 years, 5.12 years, and 8 years for the first, second, and third operations, respectively. The first operation consisted of a soft-tissue release. The second and third operations consisted of more extensive soft-tissue release and various rearfoot and forefoot procedures. Radiographic values revealed an AP talocalcaneal angle of 18 degrees, AP talo-first metatarsal angle of 6 degrees, lateral talocalcaneal angle of 29.6 degrees, lateral talo-first metatarsal angle of 15 degrees, and calcaneo-first metatarsal angle of 143 degrees. At follow-up all patients had adequate function as determined by personal interview and clinical examination. We conclude that correction of resistant congenital clubfoot often requires more than one surgery, not because of a "failed first operation," but due to dynamic muscle imbalances that may not be fully recognized in infancy and early childhood. Thus, the need for a second operation should not be perceived as a failure of the first, but as part of the natural history of congenital clubfoot.     

Assessment of severity of clubfoot in walking children by combined multiple tools: A new classification system

IntroductionClubfoot is one of the most common congenital deformities that cause mobility impairment. In developing countries, however, due to lack of appropriate medical care, treatment is either not initiated or incompletely performed. Due to lack of consensus for evaluation of deformities in such patients, there is no standardized treatment protocol yet developed. So, a new evaluation system is devised to assess the deformity in untreated or previously managed conservatively clubfoot of walking children.MethodsIt was a prospective, observational study, conducted from December 2017 to July 2019. Patients from age 1–5 years, with unilateral deformity and previously managed conservatively were included. Patients having atypical clubfoot, syndromic clubfoot, or previously surgically intervened were excluded. Pre-treatment severity was graded with Diméglio score. Anthropometric, Foot Imprinting, Radiographic angles, and Ultrasonographic measurements were taken. Parameters taken were assessed and correlated with gradings of Diméglio score.Results37 patients with mean age of 2.14 ± 0.87 years were included. Diméglio score was 11.57 ± 2.15 with 28 patients in ‘severe’ category. Talocalcaneal index and Tibiocalcaneal angle were correlating with the equinus whereas Bean shape ratio and Talocalcaneal index were correlating with varus deformity. Derotation of calcaneoforefoot block gradings correlating with Foot bimalleolar angle, Talo-first metatarsal angle, and MMN (medial malleolus to navicular distance) Ratio. FBM (Foot Bimalleolar) Angle, Talo-first metatarsal angle, MMN Ratio, and Medial soft tissue thickness were correlating with forefoot adduction. Following the correlation, a new classification system was devised to assess the severity of deformity at presentation.ConclusionIt is essential to develop an objective methodology to evaluate the severity of the clubfoot; whether the foot is responding to manipulation and casting; to detect the early signs of recurrences and predict the outcomes. The evaluation system should take into consideration the complex characteristics of the deformity and its three-dimensional aspects.     

Stress fracture of the fourth metatarsal in a relapsed clubfoot of a 5.5-year-old child

Stress fractures are uncommon in skeletally immature patients and usually affect adolescents involved in competitive sports, whereas they are very rare in young children. Involvement of the fourth metatarsal is very infrequent and has been associated with metatarsus adductus deformities. The authors describe a stress fracture of the proximal fourth metatarsal occurred in a 5.5-year-old child with a relapsed clubfoot. Operative correction of the deformity and cast immobilization provided consolidation of the fracture. Stress fractures of lateral metatarsals may represent a possible source of pain in recurrent clubfeet, even in young children. In these cases, early correction of the deformity is required.     

Talo-navicular arthrodesis for residual midfoot deformities of a previously corrected clubfoot

Triangular navicular, dorsal-lateral subluxation of the talo-navicular (TN) joint with a secondary forefoot cavovarus deformity, and degenerative changes of the TN joint are frequent causes of residual clubfoot deformity and pain in the midfoot after surgical correction. This study investigates the usefulness of TN arthrodesis to correct these deformities and to resolve symptoms resulting from these deformities. During the period from 1991-1996, the senior author performed 19 TN fusions (16 patients) for the above residual clubfoot deformities involving a painful TN joint. Eight of the procedures (seven patients) also required a lateral column shortening with a calcaneal wedge osteotomy to allow for a complete correction of the TN joint. The procedure was only performed in cases involving a hindfoot that was adequately aligned during a previous clubfoot correction. The average age of the patients at the time of surgery was 11 years (range: 4-20). One patient (bilateral procedures) was lost to follow-up. Fifteen patients (17 procedures) were followed-up for an average of four years (range: 2-6). All patients reported symptomatic improvement after the TN arthrodesis. Fourteen of the patients (15 procedures) were completely satisfied. The remaining patient (bilateral procedures) was only partially satisfied due to the subsequent development of navicular-cuneiform osteoarthritis in both feet. Two cases (2 patients) developed complications requiring a second procedure for satisfactory results. In addition, the procedure resulted in an improvement of the talus-first metatarsal angle on both antero-posterior and lateral radiographs. TN arthrodesis produced a correction of the residual clubfoot deformities of the midfoot and resulted in satisfactory clinical improvement in all the patients.     

Peroneal Nerve Dysfunction in Patients with Clubfoot Deformity: Evaluation of Clinical Presentation and Treatment

BackgroudComplete peroneal nerve dysfunction associated with congenital clubfoot is uncommonly reported. Our retrospective study highlights the recognition of clinical presentation and mid-term outcomes of treatment in these patients.MethodsEight out of 658 patients undergoing treatment for clubfoot were identified with unilateral complete peroneal nerve dysfunction associated with congenital clubfoot. Three patients presented primarily to our center; 5 were treated elsewhere initially. All patients were treated with Ponseti casts, Achilles tenotomy, and subsequent foot abduction bracing. Diagnosis of complete peroneal nerve dysfunction was confirmed using nerve conduction velocity studies in all patients. After full-time bracing, an insole polythene molded ankle foot orthosis was given. Three patients underwent tibialis posterior transfer to improve foot dorsiflexor power.ResultsThe mean age at presentation was 1.3 years (range, 1 week–5 years). All patients had prominence of lateral 3 metatarsal heads and dimpling of intermetatarsal spaces. At a mean follow-up of 5.1 years, mean shortening of 1.2 cm in tibia (range, 1–2.5 cm) and mean calf wasting of 4.4 cm were observed. There was no relapse of any clubfoot deformity till the final follow-up.ConclusionsProminence of lateral metatarsal heads and dimpling of intermetatarsal spaces should raise early suspicion of peroneal nerve dysfunction. Standard Ponseti protocol is useful in treatment of these patients. Tibialis posterior transfer to dorsum partially restores the ankle dorsiflexion.     

Using Geometry for the Dorsiflexory Wedge Osteotomy of the First Metatarsal

Dorsiflexory wedge osteotomy is indicated for the correction of structural and irreducible first metatarsal deformity to effectively shorten and elevate a plantar flexed first ray. This is most commonly due to fixed forefoot valgus deformity, the cavovarus foot type, and diabetic foot pathologic features involving an ulceration or preulcerative area on the plantar aspect of the first metatarsal head. Surgeons can subjectively judge the amount of correction, such as by restoring the frontal plane alignment of the forefoot, or objectively by returning Meary's angle to a parallel relationship on a weightbearing lateral radiograph. With this tip, we propose an objective measurement, with calculation and use of Meary's angle, to preoperatively quantify the amount of desired correction. In the present study, we applied basic geometric principles based on triangles to calculate the relationship between the width of the excised wedge and the angular degrees of achieved dorsiflexion. We hope these data will provide both objective and reasonable estimates for reconstructive foot and ankle surgeons working with these deformities and with this procedure.     

The Spike Osteotomy for Hallux Valgus: A Clinical and Radiological Evaluation

A distal metatarsal osteotomy with soft tissue correction is a frequently performed operation to correct mild to moderate hallux valgus deformity. This is a prospective study of 28 feet in 25 patients who underwent spike osteotomy of the first metatarsal with medial capsulorraphy for symptomatic hallux valgus. The osteotomy is a distal metatarsal osteotomy with a spike fashioned in the plantar and lateral quarter of the proximal fragment and impacted into the trough created in the center of the distal fragment, providing lateral and plantar shift of the distal fragment. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society's rating scale was used for functional assessment, and a visual analog scale gauged pain. The average follow-up was 27 months. The rating scale score improved from a mean preoperative value of 39/100 to 84/100. Twenty-six feet had complete pain relief, whereas 2 feet had a lesser degree of persistent metatarsalgia. A review of preoperative and postoperative radiographs showed that the hallux valgus angle improved from a mean 36 degrees preoperatively to 18 degrees postoperatively. Likewise, the mean 1 to 2 intermetatarsal angle improved from 13 degrees to 7.3 degrees. There was no incidence of avascular necrosis. Fourteen patients (16 feet) rated the outcome as excellent, 10 (11 feet) as good, and 1 patient with asymptomatic mild hallux varus deformity rated the result as fair. These results demonstrate that the spike osteotomy is a suitable operation for treatment of mild to moderate hallux valgus.     

Medial displacement metatarsal osteotomy for treatment of painful bunionette

A medial displacement metatarsal osteotomy was performed in 23 feet of 16 patients who had painful bunionette deformities. The mean follow-up period was 22 months. Relief of symptoms, e.g., lateral forefoot pain, plantar pain, toe deformity, functional limitation, and shoewear limitation, was achieved. Lateral forefoot tenderness also was relieved. Forefoot width and intermetatarsal four-to-five, intermetatarsal two-to-five, and metatarsophalangeal five angles were consistently decreased. Overall results based on objective and subjective criteria were good in 88%, fair in 4%, and failure in 8%. Complications were superficial wound infection in one case and possible nonunion in one case. This operation is appropriate for the painful bunionette with metatarsal splaying or outflaring with or without intractable plantar keratosis and varus toe deformity.     

Peroneus longus tendon transfer; prospective study of treatment outcome of recurrent fixed clubfoot deformities in children after failed surgical treatment

BackgroundIn childhood, for flexible clubfoot deformity, the transfer of the tendon of the tibialis anterior muscle is widely used. In contrast, extensive surgical procedures are required for fixed clubfoot deformities.MethodsWe describe the peroneus longus tendon transfer to the peroneus brevis tendon, additionally to full surgical release, in cases of recurrent fixed clubfoot deformities. The purpose of this surgical technique was to restore and maintain the dynamic balance of foot inversion-eversion during the gait cycle by augmenting the muscular strength of the weak peroneus brevis tendon. We report the prospective study of treatment outcome of twenty recurrent fixed clubfoot deformities in twelve children (20 feet) after failed surgical treatment they had. Anteroposterior and lateral radiographs under full-body weight-bearing and the AOFAS score pre-and postoperatively were used in all patients. For the estimation of the severity of the recurrent clubfoot deformity in each child and to increase the credibility of the AOFAS rating scale, we additionally used a clubfoot sheet score preoperatively and postoperatively (maximum score 100 points for normal foot appearance clinically and radiologically).ResultsThe mean age at surgery was 6,85 (±1,81; 5–11) years. The mean follow-up time was 5,4 (±1,7; 2–8) years. The mean AOFAS ankle-hindfoot rating score increased from 69,85 (±9,51; 53–82) points preoperatively to 94,4 (±2,43; 91–97) points postoperatively. The mean clubfoot sheet rating score increased from 43,00 (±12,18; 15–55) points, preoperatively to 90,0 (±4,58; 80–95) points postoperatively. The two-tailed p-value was < 0,0001.ConclusionsThe transfer of the peroneus longus tendon to the peroneus brevis tendon is a minimal surgical procedure that acts collaboratively in maintaining the correction of foot deformity, achieved by the complete surgical release. Level of Evidence: IV.     

Innovative treatment for pes cavovarus: a pilot study of 13 children

Background and purpose — Pes cavovarus (PCV) is a complex deformity, frequently related to neurological conditions and associated with foot pain, callosities, and walking instability. The deformity has the tendency to increase during growth. Orthotic treatment is ineffective and surgery may be troublesome. We present the preliminary results of a new mini-invasive surgical technique for correction of this foot deformity.

Patients and methods — We operated on 13 children (24 feet), age 7–13 years. In 7 children the deformity was neurological in origin. The surgical technique included a dorsal hemiepiphysiodesis of the 1st metatarsal, and a plantar fascia release. The clinical deformity, hindfoot flexibility, and foot callosities, together with a radiological assessment (Meary angle, calcaneal pitch, and talo-calcaneal angle), was done pre- and postoperatively. At final check-up, after a median of 28 months (12–40), the Oxford Ankle Foot Questionnaire for children (OXAFQ-C) was used to assess patient satisfaction. The primary outcome was the hindfoot varus correction.

Results — All the operated feet improved clinically and radiologically. Heel varus improved from a mean 6° preoperatively to 5° valgus postoperatively. In those children where treatment was initiated at a younger age, full correction was achieved. Footwear always improved.

Interpretation — This treatment may offer a less aggressive alternative in the treatment of PCV in young children and may eventually reduce the amount of surgery needed in the future.     

Components of the Wilson Osteotomy That Are Effective on Hallux Valgus Repair

Wilson osteotomy of the first metatarsal is a technically simple and reliable operation for the correction of the hallux valgus (HV) deformity. The major anatomic components of the osteotomy are the osteotomy angle and the distance of the osteotomy to the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. Lateralization of the first metatarsal head is the rationale for correction of the deformity. The main disadvantage of the technique is the considerable shortening of the first metatarsal. The relation between the amount of HV correction, first metatarsal shortening, and the anatomic parameters of the osteotomy was evaluated. Radiographs of 46 feet of 32 patients were retrospectively evaluated after an average follow-up period of 31.4 months. From the preoperative, early postoperative, and last control radiographs, the amount of HV correction, first metatarsal shortening, the osteotomy angle, the distance of the osteotomy to the first MTP joint, and lateralization of the first metatarsal head were measured. The presented study indicated that the osteotomy angle and the lateral displacement of the metatarsal head have a significant correlation with the amount of HV correction. Distance of the osteotomy to the first MTP joint has no relevance with the repair of the deformity. A positive linear correlation was present between the osteotomy angle and the first metatarsal shortening. Because the amount of first metatarsal shortening has significant influence over the clinical result, the main aim in a Wilson osteotomy should be maximum lateral displacement of the metatarsal head with a minimum osteotomy angle.