Comparative Results of Percutaneous Calcaneal Osteotomy in Correction of Hindfoot Deformities

CATEGORY: Hindfoot INTRODUCTION/PURPOSE: Calcaneal osteotomies are often required in correction of hindfoot deformities. The traditional open techniques as lateral or oblique incision are occasionally associated with wound healing problems and neurovascular injury. METHODS: In a prospective study 122 consecutive patients who underwent a calcaneal osteotomy for hindfoot realignment treatment were included. 58 patients were operated using an open incision technique and 64 patients with 66 feet using a percutaneous technique. Clinical and radiological assessments were performed preoperatively, six weeks and one year postoperatively. RESULTS: The AOFAS score and VAS improved in both groups postoperatively. The difference was not significant. The results of the radiological measurements pre- and postoperatively were not significantly different. No pseudarthrosis occurred in both groups. The comparison of both groups showed a significant lesser risk for wound healing problems in percutaneous group (B). The hospitalisation time was significantly shorter in the percutaneous group. CONCLUSION: Due to the excellent results with the percutaneous calcaneal osteotomy the authors feel encouraged to establish this procedure as a standard technique for calcaneus osteotomy at our clinic.