A combined bony and soft-tissue tarsal stabilization procedure (Grice-Schede) for hindfoot valgus in children with cerebral palsy

Subtalar fusion for pes valgus in cerebral palsy: results of a modified technique in the setting of single event multilevel surgery

BACKGROUND

We studied the use of cortico-cancellous circular allograft combined with cannulated screw fixation for the correction of dorsolateral peritalar subluxation in a series of children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy undergoing single event multilevel surgery.

METHODS

Forty-six children who underwent bilateral subtalar fusion between January 1999 and December 2004 were retrospectively reviewed. Gait laboratory records, Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels, Functional Mobility Scale (FMS) scores, and radiographs were reviewed. The surgical technique used an Ollier type incision with a precut cortico-cancellous allograft press-fit into the prepared sinus tarsi. One or two 7.3 mm fully threaded cancellous screws were used to fix the subtalar joint. Radiographic analysis included preoperative and postoperative standing lateral radiographs measuring the lateral talocalcaneal angle, lateral talo-first metatarsal angle, and navicular cuboid overlap. Fusion rate was assessed with radiographs >12 months after surgery.

RESULTS

The mean patient age was 12.9 years (range, 7.8 to 18.4 y) with an average follow-up of 55 months. Statistically significant improvement postoperatively was found for all 3 radiographic indices: lateral talocalcaneal angle, mean improvement 20 degrees (95% CI, 17.5-22.1; P<0.001); lateral talo-first metatarsal angle, mean improvement 21 degrees (95% CI, 19.2-23.4; P<0.001); and navicular cuboid overlap, mean improvement 29% (95% CI, 25.7%-32.6%; P<0.001). FMS improved across all patients, with Gross Motor Function Classification System III children experiencing a 70% improvement across all 3 FMS distances (5, 50, and 500 m). All 3 radiographic measures improved significantly (P<0.001). Fusion was achieved in 45 patients and there were no wound complications.

CONCLUSIONS

With this study, we demonstrate significant improvement in radiographic segmental alignment and overall function outcome with this modified subtalar fusion technique. We conclude that this technique is an effective complement for children with dorsolateral peritalar subluxation undergoing single event multilevel surgery.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV.

Grice-Green procedure for severe hindfoot valgus in ambulatory patients with cerebral palsy

Grice-Green extra-articular subtalar arthrodesis is a treatment option for advanced valgus rearfoot deformity of neuromuscular origin in young patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate long-term results of the procedure in ambulatory cerebral palsy patients. From January 1975 to December 1993, 57 operations were performed in 39 patients (22 males, 17 females) with a mean age of 7.8 ± 2.7 (range 3.9-14.4) years for excessive symptomatic hindfoot valgus. Thirty-five patients (51 feet) were followed for a mean 22.6 ± 4.6 (range 16.0-32.3) years. Preoperative GMFCS score, ambulation, hindfoot position, podoscopic view of the weight-bearing feet, and radiological examinations, along with complications and orthotic use, were compared. Based on a clinical rating scale, 39 results were excellent or good, 8 were fair, and 4 were poor. The poor results were attributed to hindfoot valgus recurrence or varus overcorrection. One case needed revisional surgery owing to slippage of the graft. Overall, the GMFCS score, level of ambulatory distance, and use of foot orthoses improved. Grice-Green subtalar arthrodesis did not result in early degenerative changes at the midterm follow-up. The procedure offers safe and long-lasting correction for severe and symptomatic hindfoot disorders in patients with cerebral palsy. Together with physiotherapy and orthotic use, it can improve ambulation. Whereas a slight hindfoot valgus in patients with cerebral palsy is tolerable without lack of function, overcorrection should be avoided.

Grice arthrodesis in the treatment of valgus feet in children with myelomeningocele: a 12.8-year follow-up study

PURPOSE

Neurological deficit resulting in the lack of motor control in children with myelomeningocele often leads to a valgus position of the feet and ankles, usually in combination with planovalgus and pronation of the forefoot. The purpose of the study was to evaluate long-term patient satisfaction and clinical effects in ambulating children with lumbosacral myelomeningocele after having performed a Grice arthrodesis of a valgus unstable foot. The clinically most relevant radiographic measurements, such as the frontal and lateral talo-calcaneal angles, were used to evaluate the anatomical effects of the surgery, whereas the main research question was to reveal the patient satisfaction and usefulness of the procedure.

METHODS

The modified Grice-Green extraarticular subtalar arthrodesis was performed by the same surgeon on one standing and 22 walking patients (12 female) with lumbosacral myelomeningocele and valgus instability during the period 1985-1999. Twelve patients had bilateral surgery, giving a total of 35 operated feet. The patients attended a thorough check-up at a mean of 12.8 years (standard deviation [SD] +/- 3.2, range 7.7-20.2 years) after surgery. The mean age at surgery was 6.6 years (SD +/- 1.8) and at follow-up 19.4 years (SD +/- 3.8). Functional parameters, such as walking ability, pain and skin problems, and the need for braces and supportive orthopaedic shoes were noted at the follow-up interview. The parents were interviewed along with the patients in order to obtain all of the necessary information. Loaded radiographs in the lateral and frontal planes were taken of both feet and ankles pre-operatively and at follow-up, except for pre-operative radiographs in six patients that were not loaded and, thus, not included, except for the assessment of ankle valgus. Ankle valgus was assessed from lateral and frontal views of the ankle on a scale from grade 0 to grade 3 according to Malhotra. Frontal and lateral talo-calcaneal angles were measured for the assessment of subtalar varus or valgus. Lateral talo-first-metatarsal (Meary's) angles were measured to investigate the longitudinal arches of the feet.

RESULTS

The mean lateral talo-calcaneal angle was reduced significantly (P < 001) from 55.1 degrees (SD +/- 8.9) to 38.8 degrees (SD +/- 8.1). The mean frontal talo-calcaneal angle was reduced from 24.7 degrees (SD +/- 9.7) pre-operatively to 16.6 degrees (SD +/- 6.3) at follow-up (P < 0.001). The mean lateral talo-first-metatarsal angle improved significantly from -16.1 degrees (SD +/- 24.7) pre-operatively to 0.9 degrees (SD +/- 15.1) at follow-up (P = 0.0015). The calcaneal pitch did not change significantly. In general, ankle valgus worsened during follow-up time, but not significantly (P = 0.113). The visual analogue scale (VAS) score of patient satisfaction improved significantly from 3.7 (SD +/- 1.7) prior to surgery to 7.2 (SD +/- 1.5) at follow-up (P < 0.005). Nineteen patients (83%) were satisfied with the surgery and would thus recommend the procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the radiological findings and patient satisfaction, the patients participating in this study benefited from having had Grice arthrodeses performed on their valgus unstable feet. The results indicate good long-term correctional effect on valgus deformity after Grice arthrodesis, as the talo-calcaneal and talo-first-metatarsal angles improved significantly. A great majority of the patients were content with the surgery, and none claimed that any residual deformity was the cause for any reduced ability to ambulate.