Lateral Column Lengthening Versus Medial Displacement Calcaneal Osteotomy in Stage II Tibialis Posterior Tendon Dysfunction: Randomized Controlled Trial

CATEGORY: Hindfoot; Midfoot/Forefoot INTRODUCTION/PURPOSE: Adult acquired flatfoot deformity is a complex deformity associated with the collapse of the medial longitudinal arch. Several factors have been proposed in the etiology of adult acquired flatfoot deformity including arthritic, neuromuscular, and traumatic conditions; however, posterior tibial tendon dysfunction remains the most common etiology. A spectrum of conditions affecting the posterior tibial tendon has been identified, with tendinitis occurring early in the disease process and tendon rupture occurring at the more advanced stages. Adult-acquired flatfoot deformity requires a complex operative plan that often utilizes several procedures to correct deformity, at both the hindfoot and midfoot. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of two different osteotomies commonly used to correct flexible flat feet. METHODS: 42 Patients (21 males and 21 females) with stage II PTTD acquired flexible flatfeet were included with a mean age of 49.62 +- 6.2. Twinty-two patients had medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy (MDCO) while 20 cases had latercal column lenghtening (LCL). Strayer procedure, spring ligament plication and FDL transfer were done in all patients. Pre- and Post-operative clinical assessment was done using AOFAS and FFI questionaire. Six radiographic parameters were analyzed, two in the anteroposterior view ( talo-navicular coverage and talo-calcaneal angle), three in lateral view ( talo- first metatarsus angle, talo- calcaneal angle and calcaneal inclination angle) and tibio-calcanal angle in axial view. RESULTS: At a mean follow up of 12 months, significant improvement in AOFAS and FFI scores in MDCO and LCL groups with no significant difference between both groups. Postoperative significant improvements in all radiographic measurements in both groups. LCL group showed significant better correction in TNC and calcaneal inclination angles when compared to MDCO group. However, MDCO procedure showed significantly better correction in axial tibial calcaneal angle. Both techniques correct the deformity, however cases received LCL has better correction than MDCO cases and less reoperation rate. CONCLUSION: Reconstructions performed with LCL produced a greater change in the realignment of adult acquired flatfoot, maintained more of their initial correction over time, and were associated with a lower incidence of additional surgery than reconstructions with a MDCO of the calcaneus. However, a higher incidence of degenerative change in the hindfoot was observed in the LCL group. The ability of LCL to correct the deformity in anteroposterior and lateral plan and MDCO in lateral and axial plan suggests that proper osteotomy should be planned according to the existing deformity. Combination of both techniques may be required in certain cases.