Lateral column lengthening versus subtalar arthroereisis for pes planovalgus in patients with cerebral palsy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: Although pes planus, a common deformity in children with cerebral palsy (CP), is predominantly treated through lateral column lengthening (LCL), subtalar arthroereisis (SA) has also gained popularity for this purpose. This systematic review was conducted to compare surgical outcomes between LCL and SA for pes planovalgus in children with CP. Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar were comprehensively searched for relevant articles reporting the outcomes of LCL and SA in the target population. Surgical outcomes were evaluated in terms of radiographic parameters and postoperative complications. Results: This review included 22 studies involving patients undergoing LCL (LCL group) and 9 studies involving those undergoing SA (SA group). LCL outperformed SA in terms of corrections in the talonavicular coverage angle (8.1°-42.1° vs. 8.0°-30.7°), anteroposterior talo-first metatarsal angle (12.3°-33.7° vs. 9.8°-21.4°), and calcaneal pitch angle (2.5°-29.7° vs. 3.5°-8.0°). Furthermore, the risk of postoperative complications, such as recurrence, pain, undercorrection, and overcorrection, was higher in the LCL group than in the SA group. However, the risks of reoperation and implant-related problems were higher in the SA group than in the LCL group. A meta-analysis of two randomized studies revealed that improvement in calcaneal pitch angle was significantly greater in the LCL group than in the SA group (mean difference: 2.09°; P = 0.0488). Conclusion: LCL outperforms SA in correcting pes planus-related radiographic parameters in patients with CP. However, postoperative complications appear to be more common after LCL than after SA. Systematic Review Registration: https://inplasy.com/inplasy-2024-5-0126, Identifier 202450126.

Surgical management of severe planovalgus foot deformity in children with generalised joint hypermobility.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of calcaneal lengthening osteotomy (CLO) and double arthrodesis of the talonavicular and calcaneocuboid joints (DA) for correcting planovalgus foot deformity exclusively in patients with generalised joint hypermobility. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 29 feet in 17 consecutive patients who underwent either CLO or DA. The mean age at surgery was 11.3 ± 2.3 years, and the mean follow-up duration was 7.7 ± 3.2 years. Preoperative and final follow-up radiographs and dynamic foot-pressure measurements were analysed. RESULTS: Both operations significantly improved the radiographic parameters, except for the lateral talocalcaneal angle in the CLO group. Pedobarographic study demonstrated an elevation of the medial longitudinal arch and an improved foot-pressure distribution after both surgeries. The plantar pressure in the lateral forefoot significantly increased only in the DA group, while the pressures exerted on the medial forefoot and hindfoot and the arch index improved only in the CLO group. CONCLUSIONS: Both CLO and DA effectively improve the foot alignments of the deformity in patients with generalised joint hypermobility. However, differences were observed in the changes in the lateral talocalcaneal angle and plantar pressure distribution between the two procedures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III.

Influence of the transverse tarsal arch on radiological components of progressive collapsing foot deformity.

The importance of the transverse tarsal arch (TTA) has recently been extensively reevaluated and has even been considered to play a greater role in foot stability than the medial longitudinal arch (MLA). However, the relevance of this observation in the context of common clinical foot disorders, such as progressive collapsing foot deformity (PCFD), has not yet been fully clarified. In this biomechanical study, we examined ten pairs of human cadaveric feet by serial weight-bearing cone-beam computed tomography under controlled loading using a custom-designed testing machine. The MLA and TTA were transected separately, alternating the order in two study groups. A semiautomated three-dimensional evaluation of their influence on three components of PCFD, namely collapse of the longitudinal arch (sagittal Meary's angle), hindfoot alignment (sagittal talocalcaneal angle), and forefoot abduction (axial Meary's angle), was performed. Both arches had a relevant effect on collapse of the longitudinal arch, however the effect of transecting the MLA was stronger compared to the TTA (sagittal Meary's angle, 7.4° (95%CI 3.8° to 11.0°) vs. 3.2° (95%CI 0.5° to 5.9°); p = 0.021). Both arches had an equally pronounced effect on forefoot abduction (axial Meary's angle, 4.6° (95%CI 2.0° to 7.1°) vs. 3.0° (95%CI 0.6° to 5.3°); p = 0.239). Neither arch showed a consistent effect on hindfoot alignment. In conclusion, weakness of the TTA has a decisive influence on radiological components of PCFD, but not greater than that of the MLA. Our findings contribute to a deeper understanding and further development of treatment concepts for flatfoot disorders.

Effects of subtalar arthroereisis in children, assessed on the basis of quality-of-life questionnaires.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Subtalar arthroereisis is a procedure commonly performed in children with flat feet. The procedure is performed when conservative treatment did not have the desired effect,or when the patient's abnormal symptoms are very severe and make it difficult for them to function normally in daily life. The aim of this study was to assess whether subtalar arthroereisis and physiotherapy improve the quality of life among children with flat feet. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study comprised 79 patients (140 operated feet) diagnosed with a flat foot defect who underwent a subtalar arthroereisis procedure. A self-administered questionnaire and a shortened version of the standardised WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire were used in the research. RESULTS: The study confirmed that the patients' quality of life after surgery was high in all the areas regarding the somatic, psychological, social and environmental domains. In the group of children assessed 13-24 months after surgery. it was also found that rapid fatigue after exercise (30% ± 9%) and Achilles tendon contracture (7% ± 4%) were significantly reduced. The results of the study confirmed that subtalar arthroereisis contributes to a decreased demand for orthoses in children (9% ± 6%) and for orthopaedic footwear (11% ± 5%) than before surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The employment of subtalars arthroereisis has a positive effect on the quality of life of children with flat feet. The surgery contributes to a reduction in pain and other abnormal symptoms that are associated with flat feet. In addition, physiotherapy performed after the procedure had a positive effect on the healing process and contributed to the improvement of the children's quality of life.

Hindfoot flexibility assessment of cavovarus and planovalgus feet by modified Shriners Hospitals for Children - Greenville (mSHCG) foot model.

BACKGROUND: Multi-segment foot models have been used to quantify foot kinematics during walking. However, walking kinematics is not sufficient to assess hindfoot flexibility (available range of hindfoot varus-valgus motion). The modified Shriners Hospitals for Children - Greenville (mSHCG) foot model has been used to quantify hindfoot flexibility with Coleman block test (peak hindfoot valgus) and Root test (peak hindfoot varus). Sensitivity of mSHCG foot model to detect clinically relevant difference in hindfoot flexibility measures for planovalgus (PV) and cavovarus (CV) feet has not been demonstrated. RESEARCH QUESTION: Can mSHCG foot model detect statistically significant difference in hindfoot flexibility measures between PV, CV and typically developing (TD) feet? METHODS: Hindfoot flexibility assessment was completed for 32 PV (37 feet), 27 CV (37 feet) and 20 TD (40 feet) individuals. Hindfoot position relative to tibia in coronal plane was measured in three postures: standing, heel raise and Coleman block test. Radiographic measures in standing position were also completed for PV and CV individuals and their correlation with hindfoot flexibility measures were evaluated. RESULTS: Statistically significant (p<0.001) differences were observed between three groups (TD, PV, CV) in all three hindfoot flexibility measures- (i) Hindfoot varus in standing position (ii) Peak hindfoot varus in heel raise and (iii) Peak hindfoot valgus in Coleman block test. There was relatively stronger correlation (R2=0.407-0.854) between three radiographic measures and hindfoot varus in standing position. Correlation between hindfoot range of motion towards valgus from standing to Coleman block test and the three radiographic measures was weaker (R2=0.2329-0.3042). SIGNIFICANCE: Hindfoot flexibility assessment can detect statistically significant difference between PV, CV and TD feet and provides additional information about available dynamic range of motion of hindfoot in the coronal plane that cannot be predicted from radiographic measures. Therefore, hindfoot flexibility assessment may assist in treatment planning of foot deformities.

Outcomes of the "Calcaneo-stop" procedure for treating symptomatic flexible flatfoot in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 2394 feet.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluates the efficacy of the calcaneo-stop (C-Stop) procedure's effectiveness in treating symptomatic flexible flatfoot (FFF) in children. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted using PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases to identify studies until 2023 on the outcomes of the C-Stop procedure in children with FFF. The risk of bias was assessed using MINORS criteria. RESULTS: Of 85 studies screened, 20 involving 2394 feet from 1415 patients (mean age 11.2 ± 1.3 years) were included. Post-procedure, significant improvements were noted in pain reduction (93.5%), heel alignment (95.21%), and radiological measures, including reductions in Kite (7.32º), Meary (11.65º), Costa-Bartani angles (17.11º), talar declination (12.63º) and increase in Calcaneal Pitch Angle (5.92º). AOFAS scores increased by 22.32 points on average, with 94.83% reporting high satisfaction. Complication rate was low (7.8%). CONCLUSIONS: The C-Stop procedure is effective for treating FFF in children, offering significant clinical, radiological, and functional improvements with high patient satisfaction and a low complication rate. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Systematic review of Level-IV studies.

Gait Analysis in Patients with Symptomatic Pes Planovalgus Following Subtalar Arthroereisis with the Talus Screw.

Background: Pes planovalgus is one of the most common pediatric skeletal deformities. There have been no studies to analyze in detail the spatiotemporal variables of gait following arthroereisis. Purpose of the study: The purpose of our study was to assess gait parameters in patients with symptomatic flexible flatfoot following treatment with the talus screw. Methods: This was a prospective study assessing the 22 patients treated surgically due to symptomatic flexible flatfoot with the talus screw. Patients underwent gait assessment with a G-Sensor. We analyzed the following gait parameters: gait cycle duration, step length, support phase duration, swing phase duration, double support duration, single support duration, cadence, velocity, step length. Results: The post-operative gait parameter assessment for the operated and non-operated foot showed a significant difference only in terms of step length. Cadence increased from the pre-operative mean of 82.29 steps/min to a post-operative mean of 102.94 steps/min. Gait velocity increased significantly from 0.81 m/s before to 0.96 m/s after surgery. Discussion: Arthroereisis with the talus screw helps improve gait parameters following surgery. Post-operatively, we observed increased gait velocity and cadence and decreased gait cycle duration in the operated limb. Conclusion: Short-term biomechanical outcomes of pes planovalgus treatment with the talus screw are good.

Simultaneous subtalar arthroeresis, midfoot soft tissue release, and talo-navicular arthrodesis in children with planovalgus neurologic foot.

PURPOSE: Planovalgus foot deformity (PVFD) is common in children with neuromuscular conditions and severe deformity may require surgical correction. This study aims to assess clinical and radiological outcomes of PVFD secondary to neuromuscular disease managed by subtalar arthroeresis (SuAE), midfoot soft tissue release and talo-navicular arthrodesis (TNA). METHODS: A retrospective analysis of children with neuromuscular disease and nonreducible PVFD who underwent SuAE, midfoot soft tissue release, and TNA and with a minimum follow-up of 5 years was performed. A total of 60 patients with neuromuscular disease (108 feet) including cerebral palsy were reviewed. Mean age at surgery was 12.7 ± 4.6 years (6-17). Mean follow-up was 7 ± 2.9 years (5-10). Clinical outcomes and radiologic correction at final follow-up were compared with preoperative values. Statistical analysis was performed and significance was set at P < 0.01. RESULTS: Statistically significant radiological improvements between pre- and postoperative values were found for all angle values. At final follow-up, there was a significant improvement in VAS score (4.8 vs. 2; P < 0.01). There was also a positive trend in the improvement of walking ability. No cases of pseudoarthrosis were reported at final follow-up. Screw removal was required in 5 out of 108 feet (4.6%) and 2 feet (3.3%) had delayed medial wound healing. CONCLUSIONS: SuAE combined with TNA and midfoot soft tissue is a safe and feasible procedure that can provide good clinical and radiologic results in patients with neuromuscular disease and nonreducible PVFD; the procedure can improve foot stability, and has a limited number of complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Multi-segment foot kinematics during gait in children with spastic cerebral palsy.

BACKGROUND: Foot deformities (e.g. planovalgus and cavovarus) are very common in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP), with the midfoot often being involved. Dynamic foot function can be assessed with 3D gait analysis including a multi-segment foot model. Incorporating a midfoot segment in such a model, allows quantification of separate Chopart and Lisfranc joint kinematics. Yet, midfoot kinematics have not previously been reported in CP. RESEARCH QUESTIONS: What is the difference in multi-segment kinematics including midfoot joints between common foot deformities in CP and typically-developing feet? METHODS: 103 feet of 57 children with spastic CP and related conditions were retrospectively included and compared with 15 typically-developing children. All children underwent clinical gait analysis with the Amsterdam Foot Model marker set. Multi-segment foot kinematics were calculated for three strides per foot and averaged. A k-means cluster analysis was performed to identify foot deformity groups that were present within CP data. The deformity type represented by each cluster was based on the foot posture index. Kinematic output of the clusters was compared to typically-developing data for a static standing trial and for the range of motion and kinematic waveforms during walking, using regular and SPM independent t-tests respectively. RESULTS: A neutral, planovalgus and varus cluster were identified. Neutral feet showed mostly similar kinematics as typically-developing data. Planovalgus feet showed increased ankle valgus and Chopart dorsiflexion, eversion and abduction. Varus feet showed increased ankle varus and Chopart inversion and adduction. SIGNIFICANCE: This study is the first to describe Chopart and Lisfranc joint kinematics in different foot deformities of children with CP. It shows that adding a midfoot segment can provide additional clinical and kinematic information. It highlights joint angles that are more distinctive between deformities, which could be helpful to optimize the use of multi-segment foot kinematics in the clinical decision making process.

Corrective Efficacy of Calcaneal Lengthening Osteotomy for Planovalgus Deformity in Cerebral Palsy Patients.

Introduction Planovalgus deformity is common in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP), particularly spastic diplegia and spastic quadriplegia. It results from muscle imbalance over the immature foot skeleton, leading to hindfoot valgus, forefoot abduction, and joint subluxation. Surgical interventions, like calcaneal lengthening osteotomy (CLO), are frequently employed to correct this deformity, but objective guidelines for its use in CP patients are lacking. Material and methods This retrospective cohort study examined the efficacy of CLO in correcting plano valgus deformity in pediatric CP patients at the Pediatric Orthopedic Unit of Christian Medical College (CMC) in Vellore, India. Data from patient records and radiographs were collected, including demographics, pre- and postoperative angles, and surgical details. Statistical analysis was performed to assess changes in angles and associations with various factors. Results After the surgery, there was a notable enhancement in the calcaneal pitch, lateral talo-first metatarsal angle, and naviculocuboid overlap, as shown by the CLO results. However, tibiocalcaneal angles did not show significant changes. Associations were observed between age, Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level, additional surgeries, and postoperative angle corrections. Conclusion CLO shows promise in correcting plano valgus deformity, with age, GMFCS level, and comorbidities influencing outcomes. Long-term follow-up is crucial to monitor correction durability. Specific radiographic angles provide insights into CLO's biomechanical effects, but study limitations warrant caution in interpretation. CLO effectively corrects plano valgus deformity in pediatric CP patients, with age, GMFCS level, and comorbidities influencing outcomes. Long-term follow-up and further research are needed to optimize management strategies and enhance understanding of surgical outcomes.

Arthroereisis with a Talar Screw in Symptomatic Flexible Flatfoot in Children.

BACKGROUND: Pes planovalgus, or flexible flatfoot, deformity is a common problem in pediatric orthopedic patients. There is no consensus on using the technique of arthroereisis in the treatment of symptomatic pes planovalgus. The aim of our study was to prospectively assess the functional outcomes following symptomatic pes planovalgus treatment with the use of the Spherus talar screw. METHODS: Twenty-seven patients (11 females, 16 males), at a mean age of 10.5 years (7-14 years) were included in the prospective study. We assessed the level of physical activity (including sports) based on the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) activity scale, a 10-point level-of-activity VAS scale, and the Grimby physical activity scale. Pain was assessed based on a VAS pain scale; foot function was assessed with the revised Foot Function Index (FFI-R); and ankle joint mobility was measured. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 18 months (14-26 months). There was a significant improvement in VAS-measured physical activity scores from 5.47 to 7 at follow-up, p = 0.048. There was a significant improvement in UCLA activity scale scores from 4.78 to 6.05 at follow-up, p = 0.045. Pain levels decreased from a mean VAS score of 4.73 prior to surgery to a mean score of 2.73 at follow-up, p = 0.047. The functional FFI-R scores showed a significant improvement from 140 points prior to surgery to 97.75 points at follow-up, p = 0.017. Comparison of the preoperative and follow-up values of the range of plantar flexion, adduction, and abduction in the operated limb also showed no significant changes in those individual parameters. The mean values of dorsiflexion, plantar flexion, adduction, and abduction at the ankle joint at follow-up, compared individually between the operated and non-operated foot showed no statistically significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a talar screw in the treatment of symptomatic pes planovalgus helps reduce pain and improve functional outcomes after treatment. Foot function assessments showed diminished pain, improved levels of physical and sport activity, and no effect on the range of motion after surgery in comparison with preoperative data. Arthroereisis with a talar screw is a valid surgical technique for the treatment of symptomatic pes planovalgus.

K-Wire Osteosynthesis for Arthrodesis of the Paediatric Foot Is a Good and Valid Procedure.

BACKGROUND: Foot deformities in children are common, and the majority can be treated conservatively. Nevertheless, there are deformities that require surgical treatment. These include rigid clubfeet, severe forms of pes planovalgus, pes cavus and several more. We retrospectively analysed the pseudarthrosis rate of surgical treatment of foot deformities with transcutaneous K-wire osteosynthesis in neurologically healthy children and adolescents. The aim of the study was to show that the results with K-wires are comparable to those with other osteosynthesis methods in the literature. METHODS: A total of 46 paediatric patients aged 6 to 17 years treated between January 2010 and December 2015 met the inclusion criteria. Depending on the diagnosis, different surgical interventions were necessary. In clubfoot and pes planovalgus, representing n = 81, 70% of the whole collective triple arthrodesis with fusion of the talonavicular, calcaneocuboid and subtalar joints or Evans osteotomy was usually performed. Radiographs were taken at least 6 months post-surgery, and bony consolidation of the subtalar, talonavicular (TN), and calcaneocuboidal (CC) joints and the metatarsal I (MT I) osteotomy were assessed. If there was no evidence of fusion at this time, it was considered non-union. RESULTS: In total, 117 arthrodesis procedures with K-wires were performed. Overall, 110 of the arthrodesis (94%) healed, and only 7 joints (6%) showed non-union (subtalar 0%, TN 7.7%, CC 6.5% and MT I 6.7%). All non-unions occurred in subjects with clubfoot deformities. No significant risk factors were observed. CONCLUSION: This study replicated the good consolidation rates reported in the literature with screws, plates, intramedullary nails or staples in arthrodesis of the adolescent foot in neurologically healthy subjects and confirmed the efficacy of K-wires. The main advantages of transcutaneous K-wire treatment are easy metal removal, lower osteosynthesis material costs and less concomitant damage. Further studies, especially randomised controlled trials, are needed to further investigate this topic.

Optimal Sequence of Corrective Surgeries for Concomitant Valgus Knee and Rigid Pes Planus Deformities: The Knee-First Approach.

In patients requiring surgical correction of ipsilateral valgus knee and rigid pes planovalgus deformities, the optimal operative sequence is controversial. Growing evidence suggests these 2 deformities are related in etiology and interrelated in disease course. We present the case of a 72-year-old female with concomitant valgus knee and rigid pes planovalgus deformities successfully treated with total knee arthroplasty followed by triple arthrodesis and Achilles lengthening. Surgical correction of these deformities must be carefully planned between the operating surgeons to avoid over- or under-correction of alignment that could further impact gait. In contrast with the limited available literature, the authors recommend correction at the knee first and the foot and ankle second. Further prospective studies are needed to elucidate the best operative sequence in these patients.

Risk Factors for Failure of Calcaneal Lengthening Osteotomy in Children and Adolescents With Planovalgus Foot Deformity: A Retrospective Study.

INTRODUCTION: The calcaneal lengthening procedure (CLP) is a well-known surgical technique used for the correction of symptomatic planovalgus foot deformities. Literature shows a significant rate of relapse and undercorrection of the foot post-operatively. Factors determining the failure or success of CLP are still not well understood. The purpose of this retrospective study was to assess the most significant factors related to the failure of this procedure. METHODS: A case-control retrospective study was conducted on 50 patients (80 feet) aged 12.4±2.5 years who underwent CLP. A clinical (demographic parameters, etiology, Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level) and radiological evaluation were assessed preoperatively and repeated postoperatively at 56.5±32.5 months. Two methods of osteotomy bone fixation were studied: K-wires vs. eight-plate. Standing anteroposterior (AP) and lateral (L) radiographs were done, and the following radiographic parameters were measured: calcaneocuboid (CC) joint subluxation classified into normal, moderate, and severe (L); AP and L talo-first metatarsal (T1MT) angle; AP talonavicular (TN) coverage angle; AP and L talocalcaneal (TC) angle; calcaneal pitch (CP) angle; and L talo-horizontal (TH) angle. Mosca's criteria were used for clinical and radiological assessments. The association between demographic data, clinical and radiological results, and the variation between preoperative and postoperative angles were studied. The main risk factors affecting clinical results and CC joint subluxation were investigated (logistic regression and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA)). RESULTS: Satisfactory clinical results were associated with satisfactory radiological ones on Mosca's criteria (p<0.001). The use of an eight-plate for osteotomy fixation gave better results than K-wires (79% vs. 59%). Radiological angles were improved in both techniques postoperatively (increase of CP and L-TC and decrease of AP-T1MT, AP-TC, AP-TN, and L-T1MT, all p<0.05). Non-satisfactory clinical results were associated with a high GMFCS level, a low preoperative AP-TN coverage angle, and a low preoperative CP angle (R2=0.45). Both a young age and a low CP angle preoperatively were associated with CC subluxation (R2=0.31). CONCLUSION: The neurological status and the severity of the planovalgus foot deformity preoperatively were the main risk factors affecting clinical outcomes after CLP. However, young age and the severity of the deformity preoperatively were the main risk factors behind CC joint subluxation affecting CLP outcomes.

Short-Term and Medium-Term Radiological and Clinical Assessment of Patients with Symptomatic Flexible Flatfoot Following Subtalar Arthroereisis with Spherus Screw.

BACKGROUND: There have been no reports on arthroereisis screw insertion into the talus in patients with flexible flatfoot. We aimed to conduct a clinical and radiological assessment in patients with symptomatic pes planovalgus deformity treated with a talar screw. METHODS: This study involved a prospective assessment of 27 patients treated surgically for symptomatic flexible flatfoot deformity in the period 2021-2022. The following parameters were assessed in this study: Meary's angle, the Costa-Bartani angle, the calcaneal pitch angle, surgery duration, the length of hospital stay, patient satisfaction, patients' retrospective willingness to consent to the treatment they received, postoperative complications, and the use of analgesics. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 14.76 months. Meary's angle decreased from 18.63° before surgery to 9.39° at follow-up (p = 0.004). The Costa-Bartani angle decreased significantly from 154.66° before surgery to 144.58° after surgery (p = 0.012). The calcaneal pitch angle changed from 16.21° before to 19.74°. Complications were reported in three patients (11.11%). The mean surgery duration was 32 min. The mean hospital stay was 2.2 days. Fourteen patients (51.85%) were highly satisfied with the treatment, and 12 patients (44.44%) were quite satisfied with treatment. Twenty-five (92.59%) of the evaluated patients would choose the same type of treatment again. Six patients (22.22%) needed to use analgesics prior to surgical treatment, whereas none of the patients needed to use them by the final follow-up. CONCLUSION: Spherus screw arthroereisis helps improve radiological parameters in patients with flexible flatfoot. We observed good clinical outcomes after treatment with a talar screw, with a majority of patients reporting moderate-to-high levels of satisfaction with treatment. Both short- and medium-term treatment outcomes of pes planovalgus treatment with the use of Spherus screw are good.

Higher revision rates in patients with preoperative contralateral pes planovalgus deformity following total knee arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the incidence of revision in those with pes planovalgus deformity to those without using a large national database. Given the reciprocal changes in lower extremity alignment associated with planovalgus foot deformity, it has been suggested that patients with this deformity has worse outcomes following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: A retrospective cohort analysis of patients undergoing elective TKA was conducted using the PearlDiver database. Patients were stratified into three cohorts: those without pes planovalgus, patients with ipsilateral or bilateral pes planovalgus relative to the TKA, and patients with contralateral pes planovalgus. Patients with prior foot reconstructive surgery were excluded. The cohorts were each matched to those without pes planovalgus. Bivariate analysis was performed comparing 90-day medical complications and 2- and 4-year revisions following TKA. An adjusted number needed to be exposed for one additional person to be harmed (NNEH) was calculated using the adjusted odds ratio (OR) and unexposed event rate. RESULTS: Following matched analysis, those with contralateral pes planovalgus had similar odds (OR 3.41; 95% CI 0.93-12.54; p = n.s.) for aseptic revision within 2 years but significantly higher odds (OR 3.35; 95% CI 1.08-10.41; p = 0.03) within 4 years when compared to those without a pes planovalgus deformity. Within 4 years, there was no significant difference in the incidence of aseptic revision (p = n.s.) in patients with ipsilateral/bilateral pes planovalgus. No patients in any cohort underwent septic revision within 4 years of TKA. CONCLUSION: This study found that patients with contralateral pes planovalgus deformity had higher odds of aseptic revision within 4 years following primary TKA in a national database, suggesting that the change in gait kinematics associated with this deformity could possibly be associated with increased revision rates. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Coalition excision and corrective osteotomies versus coalition excision and arthroereisis in management of pes planovalgus with talo-calcaneal coalition in adolescents: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Talocalcaneal coalition is the most common cause of rigid flat foot in adolescents. It presents with recurrent ankle sprains, foot and ankle pain, and foot deformity. Management is still controversial. Multiple options were utilized during the last 40 years, including coalition excision only or coalition excision with hind foot arthrodesis or corrective osteotomies. However, the effect of arthroereisis after coalition excision is still questionable. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty feet in 28 patients with rigid flat foot due to talocalcaneal coalition, who presented to our institution between September 2018 and April 2020, were prospectively analyzed. Randomization was performed by random allocation using a computer-based system into two groups: group A for coalition excision and arthroereisis, group B for coalition excision and osteotomies. Functional and radiological outcomes and complications were recorded and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software. RESULTS: Thirty feet in 28 patients were included in the final analysis (15 feet in each group). One patient in each group had bilateral affection. The mean age was 14.5 years, and the mean follow-up duration was 24 months. At final follow-up, the mean AOFAS was 78.8 ± 4.04 in group A and 76.73 ± 4.66 in group B, while the FAAM scores were 80 ± 5 and 79 ± 3 in groups A and B, respectively. The complication rate was higher in group A, however with no statistical significance. CONCLUSION: The combination of talocalcaneal coalition resection with either corrective osteotomies or arthroereisis had a significant improvement of functional and radiological outcomes in the management of rigid pes planovalgus.

Tibialis anterior rerouting combined with calcaneal lengthening osteotomy as a single-stage reconstruction of symptomatic flexible flatfoot in children and adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Symptomatic flexible flatfoot in children and adolescents should be surgically managed only if conservative measures have failed. The aim of this study was to assess functional and radiological results of tibialis anterior rerouting combined with calcaneal lengthening osteotomy as s single-stage reconstruction of symptomatic flexible flatfoot. METHODS: The current study was a prospective study of patients with symptomatic flexible flatfoot treated by single-stage reconstruction in the form of tibialis anterior tendon rerouting combined with calcaneal lengthening osteotomy. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score (AOFAS) was utilized to evaluate the functional outcomes. The evaluated radiological parameters included the standing anteroposterior (AP) and lateral talo-first metatarsal angle, talar head coverage angle, and calcaneal pitch angle. RESULTS:  The current study included 16 patients (28 feet) with a mean age of 11.6 ± 2.1 years. There was a statistically significant improvement in the mean AOFAS score from 51.6 ± 5.5 preoperatively to 85.3 ± 10.2 at final follow-up. Postoperatively, there was a statistically significant reduction in the mean AP talar head coverage angle from 13.6 ± 4.4° to 3.9 ± 3°, the mean AP talo-first metatarsal angle from 16.9 ± 4.4° to 4.5 ± 3.6°, and the mean lateral talo-first metatarsal angle from 19.2 ± 4.9° to 4.6 ± 3.2°, P < 0.001. Additionally, the mean calcaneal pitch angle increased significantly from 9.6 ± 1.9° to 23.8 ± 4.8°, P < 0.001. Superficial wound infection occurred in three feet and was treated adequately by dressing and antibiotics. CONCLUSION:  Symptomatic flexible flatfoot in children and adolescents can be treated with combined lateral column lengthening and tibialis anterior rerouting with satisfactory radiological and clinical outcomes. Level of evidence Level IV.

Associated correction of forefoot alignment with hindfoot fusion for pes planovalgus deformity.

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to investigate changes in hallux alignment after corrective surgery for adult-acquired flatfoot deformity (AAFD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The present study retrospectively investigated the changes of hallux alignment in 37 feet (33 patients) which were treated with double or triple arthrodesis of the hindfoot for AAFD between 2015 and 2021 and could be followed up to one year postoperatively. RESULTS: Hallux valgus (HV) angle significantly decreased by a mean 4.1° among the whole 37 subjects and by a mean 6.6° among the 24 subjects who had a preoperative HV angle of 15° or more. Those who had HV correction (HV angle correction ≥ 5°) demonstrated more near-normal postoperative alignment of the medial longitudinal arch and hindfoot than those without HV correction. CONCLUSIONS: Hindfoot fusion for AAFD could improve preoperative HV deformity to some degree. HV correction was associated with proper realignment of the midfoot and hindfoot. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV; retrospective case series.

Lateral column lengthening (LCL) using a rectangular shape graft for managing symptomatic flexible flatfoot showed acceptable early functional and radiological outcomes.

PURPOSE: We aimed to report the results of performing lateral column lengthening (LCL) using a rectangular-shaped graft to correct the flat foot deformity. METHODS: A total of 28 feet of 19 patients (10 males, 9 females) having an average age of 10 ± 3.2 years who were unresponsive to conservative management underwent flat foot deformity correction through LCL procedure supplemented with rectangular-shaped graft harvested from the fibula. Functional assessment was performed according to the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scale. The radiographic assessment consisted of four parameters, Meary's angle in both anteroposterior (AP) and lateral (Lat.) views, calcaneal inclination angle (CIA), and calcaneocuboid angle (CCA). RESULTS: After an average of 30.2 ± 8.1 months, the AOFAS improved significantly from 46.7 ± 10.2 preoperatively to 86.7 ± 9.5 at the last follow up (P < 0.05). All the osteotomies showed healing at an average of 10.3 ± 2.7 weeks. All the radiological parameters showed significant improvement at the last follow up compared to the preoperative measurements, CIA from 6.3 ± 2.8-19.3 ± 3.5, Lat. Meary's angle from 19.3 ± 4.9-5.8 ± 2.5, AP Meary's Angle from 19.3 ± 5.8-6.1 ± 3.1, and CCA from 23.9 ± 8.2-6.8 ± 4.5, (P < 0.05). No pain at the site of the fibular osteotomy was reported in any of the patients. CONCLUSION: Lateral column lengthening using a rectangular graft effectively restores bony alignment with good radiological and clinical results, high patient satisfaction, and acceptable complications.