Cotton Osteotomy in Flatfoot Reconstruction: A Review of Consecutive Cases

The Cotton osteotomy or opening wedge medial cuneiform osteotomy is a useful adjunctive flatfoot reconstructive procedure that is commonly performed; however, the outcomes are rarely reported owing to the adjunctive nature of the procedure. The Cotton procedure is relatively quick to perform and effectively corrects forefoot varus deformity after rearfoot fusion or osteotomy to achieve a rectus forefoot to rearfoot relationship. Proper patient selection is critical because the preoperative findings of medial column joint instability, concomitant hallux valgus deformity, or degenerative joint disease of the medial column might be better treated by arthrodesis of the naviculocuneiform or first tarsometatarsal joints. Procedure indications also include elevatus of the first ray, which can be a primary deformity in hallux limitus or an iatrogenic deformity after base wedge osteotomy for hallux valgus. We undertook an institutional review board-approved retrospective review of 32 consecutive patients (37 feet) who had undergone Cotton osteotomy as a part of flatfoot reconstruction. All but 1 case (2.7%) had radiographic evidence of graft incorporation at 10 weeks. No patient experienced graft shifting. Three complications (8.1%) were identified, including 2 cases with neuritis (5.4%) and 1 case of delayed union (2.7%) that healed with a bone stimulator at 6 months postoperatively. Meary's angle improved an average of 17.75°, from ?17.24°± 8.00° to 0.51°± 3.81°, and this change was statistically significant (p < .01). The present retrospective series highlights our experience with the use of the Cotton osteotomy as an adjunctive procedure in flatfoot reconstructive surgery.     

Lateral column calcaneal lengthening, flexor digitorum longus transfer, and opening wedge medial cuneiform osteotomy for flexible flatfoot: a biomechanical study

BACKGROUND: Lengthening of the lateral column is commonly used for reconstruction of the adult and pediatric flatfoot, but can result in supination of the foot and symptomatic lateral column overload. The addition of a medial cuneiform osteotomy has been used to redistribute forces to the medial column. The combined use of a lateral column lengthening and medial cuneiform osteotomy in a reproducible cadaver flatfoot model was evaluated. METHODS: Twelve cadaver specimens were physiologically loaded and each was evaluated radiographically and pedobarographically in the following conditions: 1) intact, 2) severe flatfoot, 3) lateral column lengthening with simulated flexor digitorum longus transfer, and 4) lateral column lengthening and flexor digitorum longus (FDL) transfer with added medial cuneiform osteotomy. The lateral column lengthening was performed with a 10-mm foam bone wedge through the anterior process of the calcaneus, and the medial cuneiform osteotomy was performed with a dorsally placed 6-mm wedge. RESULTS: Lateral column lengthening with simulated FDL transfer on a severe flatfoot model resulted in a significant change as compared with the flatfoot deformity in three measurements: in lateral talus-first metatarsal angle (-17 to -7 degrees; p<0.001), talonavicular angle (46 to 24 degrees; p<0.001), and medial cuneiform height (16 to 20 mm; p<0.001). Lateral forefoot pressure increased from 24.6 to 33.9 kPa (p<0.001) after these corrections as compared with the flatfoot. Adding a medial cuneiform osteotomy decreased the lateral talar-first metatarsal angle from -7 to -4 degrees, decreased the talonavicular coverage angle from 24 to 20 degrees, and increased the medial cuneiform height from 20 to 25 mm. After added medial cuneiform osteotomy, lateral pressure was significantly different from that of the flatfoot (p=0.01) and was not significantly different from that of the intact foot (p=0.14). Medial forefoot pressure was overcorrected as compared with the intact foot with added medial cuneiform osteotomy. CONCLUSIONS: Lateral column lengthening increased lateral forefoot pressures in a severe flatfoot model. An added medial cuneiform osteotomy provided increased deformity correction and decreased pressure under the lateral forefoot.     

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.     

Proximal femoral osteotomy: a trigonometric analysis of effect on leg length

A trigonometric analysis of the effect of a proximal femoral osteotomy, either dome or cuneiform, on leg length was done to aid the preoperative planning for this surgery. Change in leg length may be determined for a dome osteotomy by multiplying the length of the head-neck segment by the difference between the cosines of the preoperative and postoperative neck-shaft angles as measured from the vertical. A series of determinations are tabulated for a variety of head-neck lengths and angulation changes. When a cuneiform osteotomy is being done, the effect of the wedge can be determined and should be considered. Also to be considered are a tendency for spontaneous correction and growth stimulation from the osteotomy.     

How does the postoperative medial arch height influence the patient reported outcomes of stage Ⅱ acquired adult flatfoot deformity?

BackgroundThis study aimed to assess how the postoperative medial arch height influenced postoperative patient-reported clinical outcomes after surgery for stage Ⅱ acquired adult flatfoot deformity.MethodsA total of 30 feet of 30 patients (7 males, 23 females) who underwent surgery for stage Ⅱ acquired adult flatfoot deformity and could be followed up for at least 2 years were included. The average age at surgery was 60.0 (standard deviation, 13.0) years, and the average follow-up period was 40 (standard deviation, 15.4) months. Among them, 16 patients underwent lateral column lengthening and 14 patients did not. Patient-reported clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Self-Administered Foot Evaluation Questionnaire. Radiographic alignment was evaluated by the talonavicular coverage angle, lateral talo-1st metatarsal angle, medial cuneiform height, medial cuneiform to 5th metatarsal height, and calcaneal pitch. The correlation between postoperative Self-Administered Foot Evaluation Questionnaire and radiographic alignment was assessed with Pearson's correlation analysis.ResultsSelf-Administered Foot Evaluation Questionnaire and radiographic alignment significantly improved postoperatively in all patients (P < 0.0001). In patients with severe deformity who needed lateral column lengthening, lateral talo-1st metatarsal angle was negatively and medial cuneiform to 5th metatarsal height was positively correlated with physical functioning Self-Administered Foot Evaluation Questionnaire subscales (r = ?0.56 and 0.55), and medial cuneiform height was positively correlated with physical functioning, social functioning and general health Self-Administered Foot Evaluation Questionnaire subscales (r = 0.70, 0.55 and 0.73, respectively).ConclusionPostoperative medial arch height could influence physical functioning, social functioning, and general health in patients with severe stage II adult-acquired flatfoot deformity.     

Hybrid Lateral Closed-Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy Showed Similar Accuracy in Angular Correction and Reduction of Posterior Tibial Slope Compared to Opening-Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy: A Correction Angle Matched Cohort Study

BackgroundWe aimed to compare the accuracy of applied correction angle between hybrid lateral closed wedge high tibial osteotomy (hybrid HTO) and medial open wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO), and verify previous reports on hybrid HTO by matching correction angle between groups. Change in various radiological parameters including union rate were also compared.MethodsA total of 50 OWHTO patients were selected for 2:1 propensity matching with 25 hybrid HTO patients. Rate of correction error was calculated by dividing the difference between the change in medial proximal tibial angle and preoperatively planned correction angle (PRD) by planned correction angle. Accuracy of angular correction was assessed using PRD and correction error rates. Hip-knee-ankle axis, mechanical lateral distal femoral angle, medial proximal tibial angle, joint line convergence angle, and length of the entire lower limb and tibia were measured. The Caton-Deschamps index (CDI) was used to assess change in patellar height. Serial postoperative radiographic analysis was performed to assess the union rate.ResultsThe discrepancy between planned correction angle and real correction angle was 0.8 ± 2.3° in hybrid HTO and 1.1 ± 3.4° in OWHTO (P > .05), and the rate of error in osteotomy was similar between the groups approximately 6%. Postoperatively, posterior tibial slope (PTS) (P < .001), tibia length, and CDI (P < .001) were significantly different between groups. The amount of change in PTS (P < .001), tibia length in hybrid HTO (P < .001), and CDI (P < .001) were significantly different between groups. Union rate of osteotomy site was significantly faster in hybrid HTO than in OWHTO (P < .001).ConclusionHybrid HTO showed similar accuracy in angular correction compared to correction angle-matched OWHTO. Reduction in PTS, tibial shortening, maintained patellar height relative to the proximal tibia, and faster osteotomy site union were also confirmed in hybrid HTO.     

Combined midfoot osteotomy for severe forefoot adductus

A one-stage procedure combining a closing wedge osteotomy of the cuboid with an opening wedge of the medial cuneiform was used for the treatment of severe forefoot adductus. Results were reviewed in 33 patients (50 feet) followed-up for at least 2 years postoperatively. Clinical and radiographic improvement in forefoot position was achieved in 90% of cases. The mean calcaneo-second metatarsal angle improved from 37 degrees preoperatively to 18 degrees at final follow-up. The mean talo-first metatarsal angle improved from 15 degrees preoperatively to 3 degrees at final follow-up. The medial to lateral column ratio demonstrated 33% improvement after surgical treatment. Two feet were unimproved because of graft migration. Patients younger than age 5 years without a well-defined medial cuneiform ossific nucleus had a high rate of medial graft extrusion with loss of correction. This procedure should be reserved for patients aged 5 years or older. Ten patients followed-up for more than 6 years had no deterioration in results. This procedure provides effective, safe, predictable, and lasting correction of forefoot adductus.     

Comparison of screw fixation versus non-fixation in dorsal opening wedge medial cuneiform osteotomy of adult acquired flatfoot

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to compare the radiographic and functional results between fixation and non-fixation in the Cotton osteotomy for the treatment of adult acquired flatfoot.MethodsA retrospective, case-controlled study of consecutive stage IIB posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD) patients treated with the same bony reconstructive surgery including cotton osteotomy between 2013 and 2017. Meary’s angle, the medial arch sag angle (MASA), and medial cuneiform cobb angle (MCCA) were evaluated pre-operation, at first weight bearing after surgery, and 12 months post operation.ResultsForty feet were included in the study. The cotton osteotomy utilized screw fixation (n = 20) or non-fixation technique (n = 20). No significant differences between groups were found in pre-operative and follow-up radiographic parameters, union rate, and functional results.ConclusionThe non-fixation with press fit technique is a reliable procedure for Cotton osteotomy and as effective as screw fixation.Level of evidenceLevel III, case control study     

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.     

Correction of moderate and severe acquired flexible flatfoot with medializing calcaneal osteotomy and flexor digitorum longus transfer

BACKGROUND: Acquired flexible flatfoot encompasses a wide spectrum of disease, and there is no validated treatment protocol. We hypothesized that a medializing calcaneal osteotomy with a flexor digitorum longus transfer is adequate to correct a less severe acquired flexible flatfoot but not a more severe flatfoot. We also hypothesized that use of an additional procedure would further correct the flatfoot. METHODS: The study included seven pairs of cadaver specimens, with one side randomly selected for the creation of a mild flatfoot deformity and the other, for the creation of a severe flatfoot deformity. Cyclic axial load was applied to the intact foot, to the flatfoot, after correction with a medializing calcaneal osteotomy and a flexor digitorum longus transfer, and after the addition of a subtalar arthroereisis. Radiographic and pedobarographic data were obtained at each stage. A repeated-measures analysis of variance with post hoc analysis was used to compare all parameters in the intact foot with those in the flatfoot and corrected specimens. A Student t test was used to compare flatfoot severity between the mild and severe models. RESULTS: Compared with the intact foot, the mild and severe flatfoot models showed a significant change in the talar-first metatarsal angle (p = 0.01 and 0.03, respectively), talonavicular angle (p = 0.04 and 0.04), and medial cuneiform height (p = 0.03 and 0.05). The mild and severe models were significantly different from each other with regard to the talar-first metatarsal angle (p = 0.003) and talonavicular angle (p = 0.002). After the osteotomy and tendon transfer in the mild-flatfoot model, the talar-first metatarsal angle and talonavicular angle were not significantly different from those in the intact state. In the severe-flatfoot model, the talar-first metatarsal angle, talonavicular angle, and medial cuneiform height remained significantly undercorrected after the osteotomy and tendon transfer. After the arthroereisis, the talonavicular angle and medial cuneiform height were not significantly different from the values for the intact foot. CONCLUSIONS: In a cadaver model, the effectiveness of different procedures on radiographic and pedobarographic parameters varies with the severity of an acquired flatfoot deformity.     

Reorientation of the distal radial articular surface in Madelung's deformity by a reversed cuneiform osteotomy

A technique of cuneiform osteotomy of the distal end of the radius is presented. It was used in three female patients with Madelung's deformity (two bilateral cases and one unilateral case). A wedge of bone was harvested in situ from the metaphysis, then returned and replaced in situ. This technique, performed through the Henry's approach, combines closing wedge osteotomy on the longer radial cortices with opening wedge osteotomy on the shorter radial cortices. The biplane osteotomy, which provides the bony wedge, involves the entire width of the metaphysis and is performed with an oscillating saw. Once the wedge is reversed and replaced, stabilization is obtained with an anterior plate. In all five cases the forward subluxation of the carpus was reduced as well as the distal radioulnar dislocation through the backward projection of the epiphysis. The reversed cuneiform osteotomy brings new possibilities of reorienting the radial articular surface and its technical mastery allows for accurate correction of severe deformities.     

Radiographic Analysis and Clinical Efficacy of Hindfoot Arthrodesis With Versus Without Cotton Osteotomy in Stage III Adult Acquired Flatfoot Deformity

Forefoot varus develops as a result of longstanding adult-acquired flatfoot deformity (AAFD). This occurs with varying degrees of deformity and flexibility. Residual forefoot varus following hindfoot realignment in AAFD can lead to lateral column loading and a persistent pronatory moment in efforts to reestablish contact between the forefoot and the ground. The Cotton osteotomy may serve as a reasonable adjunct procedure to help avoid complications and poor outcomes associated with residual forefoot varus in patients undergoing hindfoot arthrodesis for stage III AAFD. The aim of this study was to compare the radiographic outcomes in patients undergoing isolated hindfoot arthrodesis to patients undergoing hindfoot arthrodesis with adjunctive cotton osteotomy. We retrospectively reviewed 47 patients matched based upon age, sex, and comorbidities who underwent hindfoot reconstruction for the treatment of stage III AAFD between 2015 and 2019. A retrospective radiographic review was performed on standard weightbearing radiographs including anterior-posterior and lateral views preoperatively, postoperatively at the initiation of full weightbearing, and at final follow-up. Statistical analysis utilizing paired t test to calculate p values where <.05 was statistically significant. At final follow-up, radiographic measurements showed statistically significant differences in CAA, calcaneal inclination, talo-calcaneal, and talar tilt (p value <.05). The Cotton osteotomy group showed a quicker return to presurgical activity level and a decreased incident of tibiotalar valgus. Our study suggests that the Cotton osteotomy can address residual forefoot varus and potentially prevent further progression of ankle valgus in AAFD when used in combination with hindfoot arthrodesis.     

Treatment of hallux valgus with an increased distal metatarsal articular angle: evaluation of double and triple first ray osteotomies

During a 12-year period in which 878 hallux valgus corrections were performed, 18 patients (21 feet) with symptomatic hallux valgus deformity and an increased distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA) underwent periarticular osteotomies (double or triple first ray osteotomies). They were studied retrospectively at an average follow-up of 33 months. The surgical technique comprised a closing wedge distal first metatarsal osteotomy combined with either a proximal first metatarsal osteotomy or an opening wedge cuneiform osteotomy (double osteotomy). When a phalangeal osteotomy was added, the procedure was termed a "triple osteotomy." The average age of the patients at the time of surgery was 26 years. At final follow-up, the average hallux valgus correction measured 23 degrees and the average 1-2 intermetatarsal angle correction was 9 degrees. The DMAA averaged 23 degrees preoperatively and was corrected to an average of 9 degrees postoperatively. One patient developed a postoperative hallux varus deformity, and one patient developed a malunion, both of which required a second surgery. A hallux valgus deformity with an increased DMAA can be successfully treated with multiple first ray osteotomies that maintain articular congruity of the first metatarsophalangeal joint.     

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.     

Cotton Osteotomy in Flatfoot Reconstruction: A Case Report Highlighting Surgical Technique and Modified Incision to Protect the Medial Dorsal Cutaneous Nerve

The Cotton osteotomy or opening wedge medial cuneiform osteotomy is a useful adjunctive flatfoot reconstructive procedure that is rarely performed in isolation. The Cotton procedure is relatively quick to perform and effectively corrects forefoot varus deformity after rearfoot fusion or osteotomy to achieve a rectus forefoot to rearfoot relationship. Proper patient selection is critical, because preoperative findings of medial column joint instability, concomitant hallux valgus deformity, or degenerative joint disease of the medial column might be better treated with arthrodesis of the naviculocuneiform or first tarsometatarsal joints. Procedure indications also include elevatus of the first ray, which can be a primary deformity in hallux limitus, or iatrogenic deformity after base wedge osteotomy in hallux valgus. We present the case of an adolescent patient who underwent flatfoot reconstruction, including Cotton osteotomy for correction of forefoot varus that was accentuated after double heel osteotomy. This case highlights our preferred procedure technique, including the use of a nerve-centric incision design. The use of an oblique dorsal medial incision is primarily intended to minimize the risk of trauma to the medial dorsal cutaneous nerve. At 20 months postoperatively for the right extremity and 12 months postoperatively for the left extremity, sensation remained intact, and the patient had not experienced any postoperative nerve symptoms. The patient had returned to playing sports without pain or restrictions.     

Combination of Evans calcaneal osteotomy and STA-Peg arthroreisis for correction of the severe pes valgo planus deformity.

Twenty patients with 25 symptomatic severe flexible pes valgo planus were treated with a combined surgical technique. All patients underwent an Evans calcaneal osteotomy with allogenic bone graft and subtalar joint arthroreisis (STA-Peg) procedure. Adjunctive procedures as deemed necessary included Achilles tendon lengthening, navicular-cuneiform fusion, Lapidus first metatarsal cuneiform fusion, Cotton medial cuneiform plantarflexory wedge osteotomy with allogenic bone graft, plantarflexory medial cuneiform osteotomy, and excision of os tibiale externum. A retrospective pre- and postoperative radiographic evaluation revealed the following mean changes: lateral talo-first metatarsal angle, 16.9 degrees to -0.6 degrees; calcaneal cuboid abduction angle, 24.8 degrees-2.8 degrees; anterior posterior talocalcaneal angle, 25.3 degrees-15.4 degrees; talonavicular coverage angle, 22.7 degrees-5.2 degrees; calcaneal inclination angle, 10.6 degrees-18.6 degrees; talar declination angle, 32.4 degrees-16.4 degrees; lateral talocalcaneal angle, 18.3 degrees-5.2 degrees. A subjective questionnaire revealed that 100% of the patients stated they were satisfied or very satisfied with the surgery and achieved an average score of 93 based on a 100-point scale.     

Combined double tarsal wedge osteotomy and transcuneiform osteotomy for correction of resistant clubfoot deformity (the “bean-shaped” foot)

Purpose

The “bean-shaped foot” exhibits forefoot adduction and midfoot supination, which interfere with function because of poor foot placement. The purpose of the study is a retrospective evaluation of patients who underwent a combined double tarsal wedge osteotomy and transcuneiform osteotomy to correct such a deformity.

Methods

Twenty-seven children with 35 idiopathic clubfeet were treated surgically by combined double tarsal wedge osteotomy (closing wedge cuboid osteotomy and opening wedge medial cuneiform osteotomy) and transcuneiform osteotomy between 2008 and 2012. The age of children at surgery ranged from 4 to 9 years. There were 19 boys and 8 girls. Pre- and postoperative X-rays were used, considering: on the AP radiograph, the calcaneo-fifth metatarsal angle and the talo-first metatarsal angle (indicators of forefoot adduction); on the lateral radiograph, the talo-first metatarsal angle (an indication of supination deformity) and calcaneo-first metatarsal angles (an indication of cavus deformity). These radiological parameters were compared with the clinical results.

Results

Follow-up was conducted for 24–79 months following surgery. Clinical and radiographic improvements in forefoot position were achieved in all cases. An average improvement in the anteroposterior talo-first metatarsal angle of 21°, calcaneo-fifth metatarsal angle of 14°, lateral talo-first metatarsal angle of 10°, and lateral calcaneo-first metatarsal of 12° confirmed the clinically satisfactory correction in all feet. One patient had a wound infection postoperatively, which resolved with removal of the wires and administration of oral antibiotics. Eight patients followed up for more than 5 years had no deterioration of results.

Conclusions

Combined double tarsal wedge osteotomy as well as transcuneiform osteotomy is an effective and safe procedure for lasting correction of the bean-shaped foot.     

Complex reconstruction for the treatment of dorsolateral peritalar subluxation of the foot. Early results after distraction arthrodesis of the calcaneocuboid joint in conjunction with stabilization of, and transfer of the flexor digitorum longus tendon to, the midfoot to treat acquired pes planovalgus in adults

BACKGROUND: The successful correction of flatfoot in children through lengthening of the lateral column, osteotomy of the medial cuneiform, and advancement of the posterior tibial tendon led to the introduction of similar procedures to treat acquired pes planovalgus secondary to attrition or rupture of the posterior tibial tendon in adults. However, to our knowledge, no study has been published documenting whether these procedures are effective treatment for acquired flatfoot in adults. METHODS: The functional and radiographic results of complex reconstruction of a painful, flexible flatfoot associated with attrition or rupture of the posterior tibial tendon were evaluated in thirty-six patients (forty-one feet) with use of a detailed questionnaire, a comprehensive physical examination, and a review of the radiographs and the medical record. RESULTS: At a mean of thirty-four months (range, twenty-four to fifty months) postoperatively, thirty-six feet (88 percent) were less painful compared with the preoperative status or were pain-free and five of the six parameters that had been used to assess correction of the deformity radiographically had improved significantly (p<0.0001). Eight feet (20 percent) had a non-union at the calcaneocuboid joint, and thirteen feet (32 percent) had anesthesia or paresthesia of the sural nerve. Twenty-nine feet (71 percent) had had additional operations, including removal of hardware from twenty feet; bone-grafting to treat a nonunion at the site of the calcaneocuboid arthrodesis and revision of the internal fixation in four feet; a medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy because of recurrent valgus angulation of the hindfoot in two feet; and a Lapidus procedure because of a hypermobile tarsometatarsal joint with hallux valgus, a triple arthrodesis because of a nonunion at the site of the calcaneocuboid arthrodesis associated with loss of correction, and a dorsiflexion-abduction wedge osteotomy through the site of the calcaneocuboid arthrodesis (which had healed) for alignment of an overcorrected foot in one foot each. The outcomes of the procedures in thirty-five feet (85 percent) were rated by the patients as satisfactory, and thirty-three (92 percent) of the thirty-six patients (thirty-eight [93 percent] of the forty-one feet) stated that they would have the procedure again if the circumstances were similar. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the high prevalence of postoperative complications, most of our patients were satisfied with the result of the procedure after the short duration of follow-up. We believe that the relief of pain and the restoration of function achieved through effective correction of the severe pes planovalgus deformity account for the satisfactory outcomes in our patients.     

Dynamic medial column stabilization using flexor hallucis longus tendon transfer in the surgical reconstruction of flatfoot deformity in adults

BackgroundA common challenge in flatfoot reconstruction arises when there are multiple locations of collapse within the medial column. An extension of arthrodesis may lead to complications such as stiffness or adjacent joint arthritis. The purpose of this study was to report outcomes of flatfoot reconstruction using the dynamic medial column stabilization (DMCS) technique, which transfers the flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon to the first metatarsal base to support the entire medial column.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 14 consecutive patients (14 feet) who underwent DMCS as an adjunct to flatfoot reconstruction. In all cases, a medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy and gastrocnemius recession were performed to address hindfoot valgus deformity and heel cord tightness, respectively. Deformity correction was assessed using preoperative and postoperative weightbearing radiographs. The newly defined metatarsal-cuneiform articular angle (MCAA) and naviculo-cuneiform articular angle (NCAA) were measured to assess correction at each medial column joints. Clinical outcomes included the FFI and VAS scores. Any complications related to the surgery were investigated.ResultsAll radiographic parameters significantly improved postoperatively. The sagittal plane correction occurred at all three joints within the medial column. Clinically, both FFI and VAS improved significantly at the final follow-up. One patient developed plantar pain under the first metatarsal head that may have been associated with the overtightening of the transferred tendon.ConclusionDMCS using FHL tendon transfer to the first metatarsal base was a useful technique for restoring the medial arch and correcting three planar deformities in the setting of flatfoot deformity.