Subtalar arthrodesis with flexor digitorum longus transfer and spring ligament repair for treatment of posterior tibial tendon insufficiency

The surgical treatment of flexible pes planovalgus deformities resulting from Stage 2 posterior tibial tendon insufficiency is controversial and many techniques have been proposed. We retrospectively reviewed the results of subtalar arthrodesis combined with spring ligament repair/reefing and flexor digitorum longus (FDL) transfer to the navicular. There were sixteen patients (seventeen feet) with an average follow-up of 27 months (9-52). All deformities were passively correctable. The average age was 56 yrs (39-78). All patients had failed conservative management, 88% had previously been treated with orthotics, and 53% had lateral pain from subfibular impingement. Two patients were noted to have degenerative changes of the subtalar joint. Successful subtalar joint fusion occurred in all patients with an average time to radiographic union of 10.1 weeks (5-24). The average AOFAS hindfoot score and Maryland foot score postoperatively was 82 and 86 respectively. Standing radiographic analysis demonstrated an average improvement in the AP talo-1st metatarsal angle of 6 degrees (24 degrees preoperative, 18 degrees postoperative). The talonavicular coverage angle improved an average of 17 degrees (34 degrees preoperative, 17 degrees postoperative). The lateral talo-1st metatarsal angle improved an average of 10 degrees (18 degrees preoperative, 8 degrees postoperative). The lateral talocalcaneal angle decreased an average of 21o (55 degrees preoperative, 34 degrees postoperative). The distance of the medial cuneiform to the floor on the lateral radiograph averaged 12mm preoperatively and 18mm postoperatively (avg. improvement 6mm). The combination of the flexor digitorum longus tendon transfer and spring ligament repair with subtalar arthrodesis is an effective and reliable procedure which provides excellent correction of hindfoot valgus as well as forefoot abduction and restoration of the height of the longitudinal arch. These results compare favorably with flexor transfer combined with either calcaneal osteotomy or lateral column lengthening.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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)     

Treatment of stage II posterior tibial tendon deficiency with flexor digitorum longus tendon transfer and calcaneal osteotomy

BACKGROUND: To assess the efficacy of surgical correction of stage II tibial tendon deficiency with medial translational calcaneus osteotomy and flexor digitorum longus tendon transfer to the navicular, the authors retrospectively reviewed results of treatment of stage II posterior tibial tendon deficiency in 129 patients for whom surgery was performed between 1990 and 1997. METHODS: The indication for surgery included tendon weakness, flexible deformity, and foot pain refractory to nonsurgical treatment. All patients had a painful flexible flatfoot without fixed forefoot supination deformity (stage II). A medial translational osteotomy of the calcaneus and transfer of the flexor digitorum longus tendon into the navicular were done. The patients were examined, radiographs were obtained, and isokinetic evaluation of both feet was performed at a mean of 5.2 years postoperatively. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Hindfoot Scale and Short Form Health Surgery (SF-36) were used to evaluate patients postoperatively. RESULTS: The mean AOFAS score at follow-up was 79 points (range, 54-93). There were seven significant complications in six patients. Isokinetic inversion and plantarflexion power and strength were symmetric with the contralateral limb in 95 patients, mildly weak in 18 patients, and moderately weak in eight patients. Subtalar joint motion was normal in 56 (44%), slightly decreased in 66 (51%), and moderately decreased in seven patients (5%). Correction was significant (p < .05) in all four radiographic parameters evaluated. Patients were entirely satisfied (118 patients), partially satisfied (seven patients), or dissatisfied (four patients). Further, 125 (97%) experienced pain relief, 121 (94%) showed improvement of function, 112 (87%) experienced improvement in the arch of the foot, and 108 (84%) were able to wear shoes comfortably without shoe modifications or orthotic arch support. CONCLUSIONS: The surgical correction of stage II posterior tibial tendon deficiency with medial translational calcaneus osteotomy and flexor digitorum longus tendon transfer to the navicular yielded excellent results with minimal complications and a high patient satisfaction rate.     

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.     

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.     

副舟骨切除胫后肌腱止点重建跟骨内移截骨术治疗与副舟骨相关的平足症

 目的 探讨副舟骨切除胫后肌腱止点重建跟骨内移截骨术治疗与副舟骨相关的平足症的临床疗效。方法 2009年3月至2011年10月,采用副舟骨切除胫后肌腱止点重建跟骨内移截骨术治疗与副舟骨相关的平足症13例(16足),男4例,女9例;年龄18～64 岁,平均41.3岁。单足10例,双足3例;均有明显的跟骨外翻。术后以美国足踝外科协会(American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society,AOFAS)踝与后足评分评估后足功能,于X线片上测量足弓高度、跟骨倾斜角(CI)、距跟角(TC)、距骨-第一跖骨角(TMT)。结果 13例均获得随访,随访时间12~31个月,平均16.8个月。术后6个月时11例(13足)无任何疼痛,2例(3足)有长距离行走后足部疼痛。术后随访时AOFAS评分从术前(52.4±6.4)分提高至(88.1±2.8)分;负重侧位X线片上足弓高度从(3.8±0.3) mm提高至(12.0±1.1) mm,CI从9.5°±1.1°提高至20.1°±1.5°,TC从47.3°±2.5°改善至32.3°±2.5°,TMT从17.6°±1.6°改善至6.8°±1.0°;负重正位X线片上TC从39.5°±2.3°改善至26.2°±2.0°,TMT从15.2°±1.7°改善至6.3°±1.0°;轴位X线片上跟骨外翻角从11.3°±1.4°改善至4.2°±2.0°。结论 对与副舟骨相关的平足症的治疗,当存在后足外翻畸形时,副舟骨切除胫后肌腱止点重建跟骨内移截骨术可以明显缓解疼痛,有效矫正畸形,近期疗效良好。     

Comparison of Lateral Opening Wedge Calcaneal Osteotomy and Medial Calcaneal Sliding-opening Wedge Cuboid-closing Wedge Cuneiform Osteotomy for Correction of Planovalgus Foot Deformity in Children

The purpose of the present study was to compare the clinical and radiographic results between 2 procedures, lateral opening wedge calcaneal osteotomy (LCL) and medial calcaneal sliding-opening wedge cuboid-closing wedge cuneiform osteotomy (3C) in patients with planovalgus foot deformity. A total of 38 patients who underwent either LCL (18 patients, 28 feet) or 3C (20 patients, 32 feet) were included in the present study. The etiology of the planovalgus foot deformity was idiopathic in 16 feet and cerebral palsy in 44 feet. The 2 procedures used in the present study were indicated in symptomatic (pain or callus) children in whom conservative treatment, such as shoe modifications or orthotics, had been applied for more than 1 year but had failed. The patients were evaluated preoperatively, postoperatively, and at the last follow-up visit, both clinically and radiologically, and the interval to union and postoperative courses were compared between the 2 groups. In the LCL group, 19 of the 28 feet (68%) showed a satisfactory outcome and 9 (32%) an unsatisfactory outcome. In the 3C group, 28 of the 32 feet (88%) showed a satisfactory outcome and 4 (12%) an unsatisfactory outcome. The clinical results were not significantly different between the 2 groups, with mild to moderate pes planovalgus deformity. However, the clinical results were better in the 3C group with severe pes planovalgus deformity than in the LCL group with severe pes planovalgus deformity. All 4 radiographic parameters were improved at the last follow-up visit in both groups. In particular, the talar–first metatarsal angle and the calcaneal pitch angle on the weightbearing lateral radiographs were significantly improved in the 3C group with mild to moderate planovalgus foot deformity. All 4 parameters were significantly improved in the 3C group with severe planovalgus foot deformity. No significant differences were observed between the 2 groups in terms of the interval to union and postoperative care. No case of postoperative deep infection or nonunion was encountered in either group. 3C is a more effective procedure than LCL for the correction of pes planovalgus deformity in children, especially severe pes planovalgus deformities.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Medium term outcomes of planovalgus foot correction in children using a lateral column lengthening approach with additional procedures ‘a la carte’

BackgroundWe report our medium term outcomes following surgery for symptomatic planovalgus malalignment in children. The technique we describe commences with lateral column lengthening and includes subsequent bony and soft tissue procedures which are carried out ‘a la carte’ in response to the underlying pathology and the behaviour of the foot to the lateral column lengthening.MethodsSurgery was undertaken on twenty five symptomatic planovalgus feet in 15 patients at a mean age of 12 years and 6 months (5 years 7 months to 16 years and 3 months). The case-mix was principally idiopathic pes planovalgus but included overcorrected club foot and skewfoot deformity. Following lateral column lengthening (using a tricortical interpositional os calcis bone graft) the ‘a la carte’ elements of the surgery undertaken included both bony and soft tissue elements: heel shift; medial cuneiform osteotomy with iliac crest tricortical bone grafting, peroneus brevis/peroneus longus transfer; plantar fascia release; tibialis posterior advancement. VAS FA and AOFAS scores, clinical findings and complications were recorded.ResultsTwelve patients (20 feet) were available for follow up at a mean of 4 years and 6 months years (2 years and 8 months to 6 years and 3 months). VAS FA and AOFAS scores were 82 ± 17 (50–99), 87 ± 14 (61–100) and 80 ± 10 (62–100), respectively. In all patients the reconstituted medial arch was maintained. Three patients (5 feet) required a second corrective procedure.ConclusionWe propose lateral column lengthening with additional ‘a la carte’ procedures in the surgical treatment of symptomatic pes planovalgus in childhood as a reliable corrective surgical procedure on the basis of favourable medium term functional outcomes.     

Treatment of stage II posterior tibial tendon dysfunction with flexor hallucis longus transfer and medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy

Nineteen consecutive patients underwent flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon transfer and medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy for the treatment of Stage 2 posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. The FHL tendon was utilized for transfer because it approximates the strength of the posterior tibialis muscle and is stronger than the peroneus brevis muscle. Seventeen patients returned for follow-up examination, follow-up time 18 months (ave.). The AOFAS hindfoot score improved from 62.4/100 to 83.6/100. The subjective portion of the AOFAS hindfoot score improved from 31.0/60.0 to 48.9/60. Weightbearing preoperative and postoperative radiographs revealed no statistically significant improvement for the medial longitudinal arch in measurements of lateral talo-first metatarsal angle, calcaneal pitch, vertical distance from the floor to the medial cuneiform, or talonavicular coverage angle. Three feet had a normal medial longitudinal arch and six feet had a longitudinal arch similar to the opposite side following the procedure. Patient satisfaction was high: 10 patients satisfied without reservations, 6 patients satisfied with minor reservations, and 1 dissatisfied. No patient complained of donor deficit from the harvested FHL tendon. Despite the inability of the procedure to improve the height of the medial longitudinal arch, FHL transfer combined with medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy yielded good to excellent clinical results and a high patient satisfaction rate.     

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.     

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.     

Transposition of the posterior tibial tendon

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

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.     

Results of treatment of stage II posterior tibial tendon rupture with flexor digitorum longus tendon transfer and calcaneal osteotomy

In a retrospective study, we reviewed our results of treatment of stage II posterior tibial tendon rupture in 129 patients for whom surgery was performed between 1990 and 1997. During this period of time, 148 patients were treated with surgery following failure of nonsurgical methods of treatment. The 129 patients (117 females, 12 males) with an average age of 53 years (range, 34–75 years) had been symptomatic for an average of 2.8 years (range, 0.5–7 years). The indication for surgery was the presence of foot pain, which was refractory to shoe modifications, orthoses, and brace support. All patients had a painful flexible flatfoot without a fixed forefoot supination deformity. The surgery performed included a medial translational osteotomy of the calcaneus and transfer of the flexor digitorum longus tendon into the navicular. There were additional surgeries performed in 49 patients including repair of a tear of the spring ligament, talonavicular capsule or deltoid ligament (45), lengthening of the Achilles tendon (26), correction of hallux valgus deformity (5), and arthrodesis of the first tarsometatarsal joint (4). All patients were examined, radiographs obtained, and isokinetic evaluation of both feet and lower limbs performed with the KinCom apparatus at a mean of 4.6 years following surgery (range, 3–8 years). The AOFAS hindfoot scale was used to evaluate each patient, although, due to the time elapsed from the initiation of treatment, preoperative AOFAS scores were not retrospectively determined. The mean AOFAS score at the time of the follow-up examination was 79 points (range, 54–93). There were 7 significant complications in 6 patients including: significant progressive hindfoot valgus deformity in 1 patient treated with a triple arthrodesis; overcorrection of the hindfoot in 2 patients necessitating revision with a lateral closing wedge calcaneus osteotomy; 3 patients with symptomatic sural neuritis, and 1 patient with weakness of the gastrocnemius resulting from overlengthening of the Achilles tendon. Isokinetic inversion and plantarflexion power and strength were compared with the contralateral limb for 121 patients, and were noted to be symmetric in 95, mildly weak in 18, and moderately weak in 8. Motion of the subtalar joint was normal in 44%, slightly decreased in 51%, and moderately decreased in 5% of patients. Anteroposterior and lateral radiographs were evaluated for the talonavicular coverage angle, talus-first metatarsal angle, talocalcaneal angle, and the height of the medial cuneiform to the floor. For 4 of these 5 parameters evaluated, the correction obtained was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Of the patients examined, 123 were entirely satisfied, 4 partially satisfied, and 2 were dissatisfied with the outcome of the procedure. Most patients experienced pain relief (97%), an improvement of function (94%), noted an improvement in the arch of the foot (87%), and were able to wear shoes comfortably without resorting to shoe modifications or orthotic arch support (84%). In conclusion, the surgical correction of stage II posterior tibial tendon rupture with medial translational calcaneus osteotomy and flexor digitorum longus tendon transfer to the navicular yielded excellent results with minimal complications, and a high patient satisfaction rate.