Biomechanical effects of Evans versus Hintermann osteotomy for treating adult acquired flatfoot deformity: a patient-specific finite element investigation.

BACKGROUND: Evans and Hintermann lateral column lengthening (LCL) procedures are both widely used to correct adult acquired flatfoot deformity (AAFD), and have both shown good clinical results. The aim of this study was to compare these two procedures in terms of corrective ability and biomechanics influence on the Chopart and subtalar joints through finite element (FE) analysis. METHODS: Twelve patient-specific FE models were established and validated. The Hintermann osteotomy was performed between the medial and posterior facets of the subtalar joint; while, the Evans osteotomy was performed on the anterior neck of the calcaneus around 10 mm from the calcaneocuboid joint surface. In each procedure, a triangular wedge of varying size was inserted at the lateral edge. The two procedures were then compared based on the measured strains of superomedial calcaneonavicular ligaments and planter facia, the talus-first metatarsal angle, and the contact characteristics of talonavicular, calcaneocuboid and subtalar joints. RESULTS: The Hintermann procedure achieved a greater correction of the talus-first metatarsal angle than Evans when using grafts of the same size, indicating that Hintermann had stronger corrective ability. However, its distributions of von-Mises stress in the subtalar, talonavicular and calcaneocuboid joints were less homogeneous than those of Evans. In addition, the strains of superomedial calcaneonavicular ligaments and planter facia of Hintermann were also greater than those of Evans, but both generally within the safe range (less than 6%). CONCLUSION: This FE analysis study indicates that both Evans and Hintermann procedures have good corrective ability for AAFD. Compared to Evans, Hintermann procedure can provide a stronger corrective effect while causing greater disturbance to the biomechanics of Chopart joints, which may be an important mechanism of arthritis. Nevertheless, it yields a better protection to the subtalar joint than Evans osteotomy. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Both Evans and Hintermann LCL surgeries have a considerable impact on adjacent joints and ligament tissues. Such effects alongside the overcorrection problem should be cautiously considered when choosing the specific surgical method. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, case-control study.

Does the Presence of Asymptomatic Flatfoot Deformity Impact the Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes of the Minimally Invasive Chevron and Akin Bunionectomy?

BACKGROUND: Flatfoot deformity is believed to play a role in hallux valgus development and recurrence. While symptomatic flatfoot deformity can be treated with separate procedures at the time of hallux valgus correction, the question remains whether the patient undergoing correction of a symptomatic hallux valgus deformity should have their asymptomatic flatfoot concurrently addressed. We aimed to investigate whether the presence of asymptomatic flatfoot influences patient-reported and radiographic outcomes of the minimally invasive chevron and Akin bunionectomy. METHODS: A total of 104 patients were included in this study. Forty-two asymptomatic patients met the radiographic criteria for flatfoot while 62 had a normal arch. Patient-reported outcomes were evaluated and compared between the two groups using validated PROMIS measures preoperatively and at a minimum one-year postoperatively. Radiographic outcomes including hallux valgus angle (HVA), intermetatarsal angle (IMA), Meary's angle, calcaneal pitch (CP), and talonavicular coverage angle (TNCA) were measured and compared preoperatively and minimum six-months postoperatively. RESULTS: Both groups demonstrated similar preoperative and postoperative PROMIS scores with significant improvements in physical function, pain interference, pain intensity, and global physical health. Preoperatively, HVA was similar between both groups, however the flatfoot group showed a greater IMA, Meary's angle, TNCA, and lower CP. Postoperatively, HVA and IMA were similar between groups, although patients in the flatfoot group retained a significantly greater Meary's angle, TNCA, and lower CP. Both groups showed significant improvements in HVA, IMA, and TNCA. CONCLUSION: Our study indicates that the minimally invasive chevron and Akin bunionectomy leads to improved clinical and radiographic hallux valgus outcomes without adversely impacting radiographic flatfoot parameters. Therefore, the MIS bunionectomy may be an effective option for hallux valgus correction in patients with mild, asymptomatic flatfoot. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective cohort.

The Role of the Transverse Arch in Progressive Collapsing Foot Deformity.

BACKGROUND: The transverse arch (TA) has recently been shown to significantly increase the intrinsic stiffness of the midfoot when coupled with the medial longitudinal arch (MLA). Progressive collapsing foot deformity (PCFD) is a complex deformity that ultimately results in a loss of stiffness and collapse of the MLA. The role of the TA has not been investigated in patients diagnosed with this disorder using weightbearing CT (WBCT). Therefore, this study aims to answer the following questions: (1) Is the curvature of the TA decreased in PCFD? (2) Where within the midfoot does TA curvature flattening happen in PCFD? METHODS: A retrospective review of weightbearing CT images was conducted for 32 PCFD and 32 control feet. The TA curvature was assessed both indirectly using previously described methods and directly using a novel measurement termed the transverse arch plantar (TAP) angle that assesses the angle formed between the first, second, and fifth metatarsals in the coronal plane. Location of TA collapse was also assessed in the coronal plane. RESULTS: The TAP angle was significantly higher in PCFD (mean 115.2 degrees, SD 10.7) than in the control group (mean 100.8 degrees, SD 7.9) (P < .001). No difference was found using the calculated normalized TA curvature between PCFD (mean 17.1, SD 4.8) and controls (mean 18.3, SD 4.0) (P = .266). Location of collapse along the TA in PCFD was most significant at the second metatarsal and medial cuneiform. CONCLUSION: The TA is more collapsed in PCFD compared to controls. This collapse was most substantial between the plantar medial cuneiform and the plantar second metatarsal. This may represent a location of uncoupling of the TA and MLA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective case control.

Medializing Calcaneal Osteotomy for progressive collapsing foot deformity alters the three-dimensional subtalar joint alignment.

BACKGROUND: A medializing calcaneal osteotomy (MCO) is considered as one of the key inframalleolar osteotomies to correct progressive collapsing foot deformity (PCFD). While many studies were able to determine the post-operative hind- and midfoot alignment, alternations of the subtalar joint alignment remained obscured by superposition on plain radiography. Therefore, we aimed to assess the hind-, midfoot- and subtalar joint alignment pre- compared to post-operatively using 3D weightbearing CT (WBCT) imaging. METHODS: Seventeen patients with a mean age of 42 ± 17 years were retrospectively analyzed. Inclusion criteria consisted of PCFD deformity corrected by a medializing calcaneal osteotomy (MCO) as main procedure and imaged by WBCT before and after surgery. Exclusion criteria were patients who had concomitant calcaneal lengthening osteotomies, mid-/hindfoot fusions, hindfoot coalitions, and supramalleolar procedures. Image data were used to generate 3D models and compute the hindfoot (HA), midfoot (MA) - and subtalar joint (STJ) alignment in the coronal, sagittal and axial plane, as well as distance maps. RESULTS: Pre-operative measurements of the HA and MA improved significantly relative to their post-operative equivalents p < 0.05). The post-operative STJ alignment showed significant inversion (2.8° ± 1.7), abduction (1.5° ± 1.8), and dorsiflexion (2.3° ± 1.7) of the talus relative to the calcaneus (p < 0.05) compared to the pre-operative alignment. The displacement between the talus and calcaneus relative to the sinus tarsi increased significantly (0.6 mm±0.5; p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study detected significant changes in the sagittal, coronal, and axial plane alignment of the subtalar joint, which corresponded to a decompression of the sinus tarsi. These findings contribute to our clinical practice by demonstrating the magnitude of alteration in the subtalar joint alignment that can be expected after PCFD correction with MCO as main procedure.

Endoscopic assisted flexor digitorum longus transfer in flexible flatfoot.

BACKGROUND: Posterior tibial tendon insufficiency is the commonest cause of adult flexible flatfoot. Transfer of the flexor digitorum longus (FDL) has been described a therapeutic arsenal in flexible flat feet and posterior tibial tendon disorders. It is often combined with bony procedure (open or percutaneous calcaneal osteotomy). METHODS: We describe a technique and the steps endoscopic approach of FDL transfer. RESULTS: The procedure is able to be performed safely and reproducible under perfect viewing CONCLUSION: In the future with a clinical study investigating, we purpose the results of such surgery in a cohort of patients with flexible flatfoot. Level IV Therapeutic study: case serie. No funding was received for this research project.

Symptomatic flatfoot in cerebral palsy.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review is to evaluate the current literature and best practices in the evaluation and treatment of symptomatic flatfoot in cerebral palsy. RECENT FINDINGS: While techniques to reconstruct the neuromuscular flatfoot and reestablish bony levers have remained similar over time, the concept of surgical dosing has helped guide appropriate interventions based on the magnitude of disease and functional level of the child. Moreover, the utilization of multisegment foot modeling in motion analysis has allowed quantitative description of such deformities and their impact on gait. SUMMARY: Future research should focus on refining operative indications and interventions with larger, multicenter, prospective cohorts to provide more robust evidence in surgical decision making. Long-term data are needed to confirm and compare efficacy of procedures. Radiographic data alone are not sufficient for describing functional foot position. Gait analysis with foot modeling and pedobarography along with patient-centered subjective outcomes will be needed in such investigations to make conclusive recommendations.

[A painful collapse: the flat foot management]. / Un effondrement douloureux : la prise en charge du pied plat.

Flatfoot is a progressive deformity with a collapse of the foot. Its therapeutic approach has undergone a conceptual shift. Initially focused on posterior tibial tendon insufficiency, it is now defined by a sum of anatomical alterations resulting in a three-dimensional deformity. If the deformity is symptomatic, we look for hindfoot valgus, forefoot abduction and varus, as well as valgus ankle instability. The clinical rigidity of the deformities and the weight-bearing radiological examinations help guide treatment. Although plantar supports and rigid orthoses are sufficient for mild cases, surgical treatment using bone, ligament, tendon or even prosthetics procedures are the final stage of management for severe cases.

Le pied plat est une déformation progressive avec un effondrement du pied. Son approche a fait l'objet d'un changement de concept. Initialement centré sur l'insuffisance du tendon tibial postérieur, il est maintenant défini par une somme d'altérations anatomiques engendrant une déformation tridimensionnelle. Si celle-ci est symptomatique, on recherche le valgus d'arrière-pied, l'abduction et le varus d'avant-pied ainsi que l'instabilité de cheville en valgus. La rigidité clinique des déformations et les examens radiologiques en charge permettent de guider le traitement. Bien que des supports plantaires ou des orthèses plus rigides soient suffisants pour les cas légers, un traitement chirurgical par procédures osseuses, ligamentaires, tendineuses, voire prothétiques est le stade final de la prise en charge pour les cas sévères.

A 28-Year-Old Woman with Down Syndrome, Congenital Heart Disease, and a History of Knee Surgery and Plantar Fasciitis, with Hallux Abducto Valgus (Bunion) and Lapiplasty Three-Dimensional Correction Surgery.

BACKGROUND Tarsometatarsal joint (TMJ) arthrodesis is common method used for correcting hallux abductus valgus (HAV). Its popularity has grown due to studies revealing HAV's triplanar deformity with frontal plane rotation. This case report presents a 28-year-old woman with Down syndrome, congenital heart disease, and a history of knee surgery and plantar fasciitis, with severe HAV deformity and flexible valgus flatfoot associated with ligamentous hyperlaxity. CASE REPORT Examination revealed severe foot deformities, and radiographic studies confirmed the condition. A surgical intervention was planned, and the patient's cardiologist confirmed she was fit for the procedure. The modified Lapidus technique with frontal plane rotational correction included realigning the metatarsal joint, resecting spurs, osteosynthesis material, and arthrosis in the sinus tarsi. After surgery, the patient underwent a recovery period without support for 8 weeks and received appropriate medical care. Radiographs showed successful alignment, and the patient gradually resumed her daily activities. The patient had an uneventful recovery, and postoperative radiographs showed good alignment in all planes. CONCLUSIONS The hyperlaxity associated with Down syndrome makes the incidence of HAV more frequent, and TMJ fusion is preferable to correction by osteotomy. The modified Lapidus technique with frontal plane rotational correction could be a good technique to achieve satisfactory correction in patients with severe HAV deformity and flexible valgus flatfoot associated with ligamentous hyperlaxity. TMJ fusion is indicated when severe or recurrent rotational component is observed in X-rays.

Radiologic foot alignment and clinical outcome after percutaneous drilling for symptomatic accessory navicular in skeletally immature children.

Various surgical treatments are available for a symptomatic AN, including percutaneous drilling (PD). PD is reportedly effective for ANs in skeletally immature children. However, no reports have described the foot alignment after PD in skeletally immature children. This study was performed to compare the radiographic parameters between the preoperative period and the final follow-up after PD for symptomatic ANs in skeletally immature children. From October 2013 to December 2020, PD was performed on 13 feet in 10 skeletally immature children. The patients comprised 5 boys and 5 girls with a mean age at surgery of 11.9 years. The mean follow-up period was 14.8 months. We measured 5 radiographic findings preoperatively and at the final follow-up: calcaneal pitch angle (CPA), talocalcaneal angle (TCA), talonavicular coverage angle (TNCA), anteroposterior talo-first metatarsal angle (ATMA), and lateral talo-first metatarsal angle (LTMA). Ten feet were assessed as excellent, 1 as fair, and 2 as poor. Ten unions (76.9%) were achieved among the 13 feet. The mean CPA improved from 16.4 ±â€…4.1 degrees preoperatively to 18.2 ±â€…3.4 degrees at the final follow-up, the TCA improved from 43.0 ±â€…3.7 to 45.2 ±â€…4.4 degrees, and the TNCA improved from 19.9 ±â€…4.4 to 15.4 ±â€…5.0 degrees (P < .05). The ATMA and LTMA were not significantly different between the preoperative period and final follow-up. We found that PD for symptomatic ANs in skeletally immature children was effective treatment, and some radiographic parameters showed significant differences between the preoperative period and final follow-up.

Effect of flatfoot correction on the ankle joint following lateral column lengthening: A radiographic evaluation.

OBJECTIVES: The effects of foot deformities and corrections on the ankle joint without osteoarthritis has received little attention. This study aimed to investigate the effect of flatfoot correction on the ankle joint of patients without osteoarthritis. METHODS: Thirty-five patients (24 men and 11 women; mean age 17.5 years) who underwent lateral column lengthening for flatfoot deformities were included. The mean postoperative follow-up period was 20.5 months (standard deviation [SD]: 15.7 months). Radiographic indices were measured pre- and postoperatively, including anteroposterior (AP) and lateral talo-first metatarsal angles, naviculocuboid overlap, position of the articulating talar surface, and lateral talar center migration. Postoperative changes in the radiographic indices were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: There was significant postoperative improvement in flatfoot deformity in terms of AP and lateral talo-first metatarsal angles (p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively) and naviculocuboid overlap (p<0.001). On lateral radiographs, the talar articulating surface dorsiflexed by 7.3% (p<0.001), and the center of the talar body shifted anteriorly by 0.85 mm (p<0.001) postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Flatfoot correction using lateral column and Achilles tendon lengthening caused dorsiflexion and an anterior shift of the articular talar body in patients without osteoarthritis. Correction of flatfoot deformity might affect the articular contact area at the ankle joint. The biomechanical effects of this change need to be investigated further.

An evaluation of subtalar titanium screw arthroereisis for the treatment of symptomatic paediatric flatfeet - early results.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic flexible flatfoot is a common condition in children which typically improves with age and remains asymptomatic. However, the condition can sometimes be more severe, and cause mechanical impairment or pain. The aim of the study was to perform a prospective clinical, radiological, podoscopic and pedobarographic assessment (static and dynamic) of subtalar titanium screw arthroereisis for the treatment of symptomatic, idiopathic, flexible flatfeet. METHODS: A prospective, consecutive, non-controlled, cohort, clinical follow-up study was performed. In total, 30 patients (41 feet), mean age 10 (6 to 16 years), were evaluated. Clinical and standing radiological assessments, static and dynamic pedobarography, as well as podoscopy, were performed before surgery and at final follow-up. RESULTS: Treatment was associated with significant improvements in heel valgus angle, radiographic parameters (lateral and dorso-planar talo-first metatarsal angle, calcaneal inclination angle, talar declination angle, longitudinal arch angle) and podoscopic parameters (Clark's angle, Staheli's arch index and Chippaux-Smirak index). Significant increases were noted for lateral loading, forefoot contact phase and double support / swing phase, and reduced medial loading (dynamic pedobarography), as well as lateral midfoot area and loading, but decreased were observed for medial forefoot loading (static pedobarography). Four patients reported persistent pain in the sinus tarsi region (six feet), and in one case, the implant was replaced for a larger one due to undercorrection. No overcorrections or infection complications were noted in the study group. CONCLUSIONS: Subtalar arthroereisis is a minimally-invasive and effective surgical method for treating symptomatic, idiopathic, flexible flatfeet; it has an acceptable complication rate with good early clinical results. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II b.

Flatfeet Severity-Level Detection Based on Alignment Measuring.

Flat foot is a postural deformity in which the plantar part of the foot is either completely or partially contacted with the ground. In recent clinical practices, X-ray radiographs have been introduced to detect flat feet because they are more affordable to many clinics than using specialized devices. This research aims to develop an automated model that detects flat foot cases and their severity levels from lateral foot X-ray images by measuring three different foot angles: the Arch Angle, Meary's Angle, and the Calcaneal Inclination Angle. Since these angles are formed by connecting a set of points on the image, Template Matching is used to allocate a set of potential points for each angle, and then a classifier is used to select the points with the highest predicted likelihood to be the correct point. Inspired by literature, this research constructed and compared two models: a Convolutional Neural Network-based model and a Random Forest-based model. These models were trained on 8000 images and tested on 240 unseen cases. As a result, the highest overall accuracy rate was 93.13% achieved by the Random Forest model, with mean values for all foot types (normal foot, mild flat foot, and moderate flat foot) being: 93.38 precision, 92.56 recall, 96.46 specificity, 95.42 accuracy, and 92.90 F-Score. The main conclusions that were deduced from this research are: (1) Using transfer learning (VGG-16) as a feature-extractor-only, in addition to image augmentation, has greatly increased the overall accuracy rate. (2) Relying on three different foot angles shows more accurate estimations than measuring a single foot angle.

Anatomical Features of the Tarsal Sinus in Patients with Pes Planus: Implications for Clinical Management.

BACKGROUND In the treatment of pes planus, if the implant does not match the anatomical structures of the sinus tarsi, synovitis can develop, causing pain symptoms. In the interest of making clinical recommendations for extra-osseous talotarsal stabilization, the goal of the present study was to characterize the anatomical characteristics of the sinus tarsi in patients with pes planus using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. MATERIAL AND METHODS This was a retrospective study involving 56 pes planus patients and 56 healthy volunteers from January 2014 to May 2022. The sinus tarsi was measured for length and width, for angle with the coronal and sagittal axes, and for length of the subtalar implant. RESULTS All examined metrics showed a difference between pes planus patients and healthy participants, with the exception of the subtalar implant's length. The average sinus tarsi length and width among pes planus patients were 19.23 mm and 2.91 mm, respectively. The angle between the sinus tarsi and the coronal and sagittal axes was 21.418° and 25.077°, while the length of approach was 33.06 mm and 0.76°. The only gender differences that were statistically significant were in the length and width of the sinus tarsi. There were no notable variations between the left and right sides. CONCLUSIONS Sinus tarsi morphology may be impacted by pes planus. When treating patients with pes planus, clinicians should take these anatomical factors into consideration since they might more completely characterize the anatomical features of the sinus tarsi.

Cervical Ligament Insufficiency in Progressive Collapsing Foot Deformity: It May Be More Important Than We Know.

BACKGROUND: Subluxation at the subtalar joint is one of the major radiographic features that characterize progressive collapsing foot deformity (PCFD). Although it is recognized that the cervical ligament plays an important function in maintaining the subtalar joint's stability, its role and involvement in PCFD is largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of cervical ligament insufficiency in patients with PCFD and to establish if the degree of its pathology changes with increasing axial plane deformity. METHODS: This study retrospectively reviewed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of 78 PCFD patients and age- and gender-matched controls. The structures evaluated were the cervical, spring, and talocalcaneal interosseous ligaments. Structural derangement was graded on a 5-part scale (0-4), with grade 0 being normal and grade 4 indicating a tear of greater than 50% of the cross-sectional area. Plain radiographic parameters (talonavicular coverage angle [TNC], lateral talo-first metatarsal [Meary] angle, calcaneal pitch, and hindfoot moment arm) as well as axial plane orientation of the talus (TM-Tal) and calcaneus (TM-Calc) relative to the transmalleolar axis and talocalcaneal subluxation (Diff Calc-Tal) were correlated with the cervical ligament MRI grading system. RESULTS: The overall distribution of the degree of cervical ligament involvement was significantly different between the PCFD and control groups (P < .001). MRI evidence of a tear in the cervical ligament was identified in 47 of 78 (60.3%) feet in the PCFD group, which was significantly higher than the control group (10.9%) and comparable to that of superomedial spring (43.6%) and talocalcaneal interosseous (44.9%) ligaments. Univariate ordinal logistic regression modeling demonstrated a predictive ability of TM-Calc (odds ratio [OR] 1.17, 95% CI 1.06-1.30, P = .004), Diff Calc-Tal (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.06-1.26, P = .002), TNC (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.03-1.13, P = .003), and Meary angle (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.02-1.10, P = .006) in determining higher cervical ligament grade on MRI. CONCLUSION: This study found that cervical ligament insufficiency is more often than not associated with PCFD, and that an increasing axial plane deformity appears to be associated with a greater degree of insufficiency. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, case-control study.

Modified hindfoot alignment radiological evaluation and application in the assessment of flatfoot.

BACKGROUND: Alignment is indispensable for the foot and ankle function, especially in the hindfoot alignment. In the preoperative planning of patients with varus or valgus deformity, the precise measurement of the hindfoot alignment is important. A new method of photographing and measuring hindfoot alignment based on X-ray was proposed in this study, and it was applied in the assessment of flatfoot. METHODS: This study included 28 patients (40 feet) with flatfeet and 20 volunteers (40 feet) from January to December 2018. The hindfoot alignment shooting stand independently designed by our department was used to take hindfoot alignment X-rays at 10 degree, 15 degree, 20 degree, 25 degree, and 30 degree. We measured the modified tibio-hindfoot angle (THA) at the standard hindfoot aligment position (shooting at 20 degree) and evaluated consistency with the van Dijk method and the modified van Dijk method. In addition, we observed the visibility of the tibiotalar joint space from all imaging data at five projection angles and evaluated the consistency of the modified THA method at different projection angles. The angle of hindfoot valgus of flatfoot patients was measured using the modified THA method. RESULTS: The mean THA in the standard hindfoot aligment view in normal people was significantly different among the three evaluation methods (P < .001). The results from the modified THA method were significantly larger than those from the Van Dijk method (P < .001) and modified Van Dijk method (P < .001). There was no significant difference between the results of the modified THA method and the weightbearing CT (P = .605), and the intra- and intergroup consistency were the highest in the modified THA group. The tibiotalar space in the normal group was visible in all cases at 10 degree, 15 degree, and 20 degree; visible in some cases at 25 degree; and not visible in all cases at 30 degree. In the flatfoot group, the tibiotalar space was visible in all cases at 10 degree, visible in some cases at 15 degree and 20 degree, and not visible in all cases at 25 degree and 30 degree. In the normal group, the modified THA was 4.84 ± 1.81 degree at 10 degree, 4.96 ± 1.77 degree at 15 degree, and 4.94 ± 2.04 degree at 20 degree. No significant differences were found among the three groups (P = .616). In the flatfoot group, the modified THA of 18 feet, which was visible at 10 degree, 15 degree and 20 degree, was 13.58 ± 3.57 degree at 10 degree, 13.62 ± 3.83 degree at 15 degree and 13.38 ± 4.06 degree at 20 degree. There were no significant differences among the three groups (P = .425). CONCLUSIONS: The modified THA evaluation method is simple to use and has high inter- and intragroup consistency. It can be used to evaluate hindfoot alignment. For patients with flatfeet, the 10 degree position view and modified THA measurement can be used to evaluate hindfoot valgus.

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.

Surgical management of clubfoot overcorrection: a case series.

INTRODUCTION: Overcorrection is a possible complication of clubfoot treatment, whose prevalence varies from 5 to 67%. Overcorrected clubfoot usually presented as a complex flatfoot with different degrees of hindfoot valgus, flat top talus, dorsal bunion, and dorsal navicular subluxation. The management of clubfoot overcorrection is challenging, and both conservative and surgical treatments are available. This study aims to present our experience in the surgical management of overcorrected clubfoot and to provide an overview of actual treatment options for each specific sub-deformity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of patients surgically treated for an overcorrected clubfoot from 2000 to 2015 at our Institution was conducted. Surgical procedures were tailored to the type and symptomatology of the deformity. A medializing calcaneal osteotomy or subtalar arthrodesis was performed for hindfoot valgus. Subtalar and/or midtarsal arthrodesis were considered in cases of dorsal navicular subluxation. The first metatarsus elevatus was addressed through a proximal plantarflexing osteotomy, sometimes associated with a tibialis anterior tendon transfer. Clinical scores and radiographic parameters were obtained pre-operatively and at the last follow-up. RESULTS: Fifteen consecutive patients were enrolled. The series included 4 females and 11 males, with a mean age at surgery of 33,1 (18-56) years, and a mean follow-up of 4,46 (2-10) years. Seven medializing calcaneal osteotomies, 5 subtalar arthrodesis, 11 first metatarsal plantarflexing osteotomies, and 7 anterior tibialis tendon transfers were performed. A statistically significant improvement in both clinical and radiographic scores was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Management of overcorrected clubfoot involves many surgical techniques because of the high interpersonal variability of the deformities. The surgical approach showed positive results, as long as the indication is based on clinical symptoms and functional impairment rather than morphological alterations and radiographic findings.

Incidence and predictors of valgus tibiotalar tilt after progressive collapsing foot deformity reconstruction using subtalar fusion with concomitant procedures.

PURPOSE: Development of valgus tibiotalar tilt is a significant complication after subtalar fusion for progressive collapsing foot deformity (PCFD) correction. However, its incidence and etiologic factors have not been extensively studied. The purpose of this study was to define the incidence of valgus tibiotalar tilt after subtalar fusion for PCFD reconstruction, and to determine predictors of this complication. METHODS: This study included 59 patients who underwent PCFD reconstruction with subtalar fusion. Patients with tibiotalar tilt prior to surgery were excluded. On standard weightbearing radiographs, the talonavicular coverage angle, talo-1st metatarsal angle, calcaneal pitch, hindfoot moment arm (HMA), and medial distal tibial angle were measured. Weightbearing computed tomography (WBCT) was used to determine the presence of lateral bony impingement. A radiologist evaluated the superficial and deep deltoid ligaments using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Univariate regression analysis was used to identify the factors associated with development of postoperative valgus tibiotalar tilt, defined as tilt > 2 degrees. RESULTS: Seventeen patients (28.8%) developed postoperative valgus tibiotalar tilt at a mean of 7.7 (range 2-31) months. Eight (47.1%) of these patients developed valgus tibiotalar tilt within 3 months. Univariate logistic regression demonstrated association between preoperative HMA and postoperative valgus tibiotalar tilt (odds ratio 1.06, P = 0.026), with a 6% increase in risk per millimeter of increased HMA. Deltoid ligament status and concomitant procedures on other joints did not correlate with postoperative valgus tilt. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that surgeons should be cognizant of patients with a greater degree of preoperative hindfoot valgus and their propensity to develop a valgus ankle deformity. Additionally, our relatively high incidence of valgus tibiotalar tilt suggests that weightbearing ankle radiographs should be included in the initial and subsequent follow-up of PCFD patients with hindfoot valgus treated with subtalar fusion.

Is Kidner procedure necessary during subtalar arthroereisis for pediatric flexible flatfoot that combined with symptomatic type 2 accessory navicular? A retrospective comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Kidner procedure is thought to be able to eliminate the medial foot pain and contribute to restoring the medial longitudinal foot arch, making it particularly suitable for surgical treatment of pes planus that combined with symptomatic type 2 accessory navicular (AN). However, controversy remains, and the clinical evidence is still lacking. The aim of the current study is to verify the necessity of Kidner procedure during subtalar arthroereisis (STA) for pediatric flexible flatfoot (PFF) that combined with symptomatic type 2 AN. METHODS: Forty pediatric patients (72 feet) who had undergone STA for flexible flatfoot and were also diagnosed with symptomatic type 2 AN concomitantly were reviewed retrospectively and divided into two groups (STA + Kidner vs STA alone). The visual analog scale (VAS), the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Scale, the Oxford ankle foot questionnaire for children (OAFQC), and the radiographic parameters that quantifying pes planus were evaluated as primary outcomes. Secondary outcomes included the incidence of complications. RESULTS: There were 35 feet in the STA + Kidner group and 37 feet in the STA alone group, with mean follow-up periods of 2.7 years and 2.1 years, respectively. The VAS, AOFAS, OAFQC scores and radiographic parameters presented no significant difference between the two groups both preoperatively and at final follow-up (P > 0.05 for each). The complications of STA surgery occurred equally in both groups, and Kidner procedure could lead to more incision problems (22.9% vs. 2.7%) and a longer time to return to activity. CONCLUSION: Kidner procedure may be unnecessary during surgical treatment of PFF that combined with painful type 2 AN. Correcting the PFF while leaving the AN alone has a high possibility of relieving the pain in the AN region, and tibialis posterior tendon (TPT) rerouting hardly aids in reconstruction of the medial foot arch. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.