[Triple arthrodesis for correction of cavovarus deformity]

OBJECTIVE

The aim is to correct the underlying cavovarus deformity and to achieve a pain-free and stable hindfoot.

INDICATIONS

Rigid neurologic, posttraumatic, congenital, and idiopathic cavovarus deformities.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

General surgical or anesthesiological risks, infections, critical soft tissue conditions, neurovascular impairment of the lower extremity, noncompliance, patients with severely reduced bone quality, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, smoking.

SURGICAL TECHNIQUE

The talonavicular and subtalar joints are exposed using a single medial approach. Joint cartilage is carefully debrided. Hindfoot reposition with complete correction of cavovarus deformity in all three planes. Joints are stabilized using cannulated screws, followed by wound closure.

POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT

A soft wound dressing is used. Thromboprophylaxis is recommended. Patient mobilization starts on postoperative day 1 using a stabilizing walking boot or cast for 6 weeks with 15 kg partial weight bearing. Clinical and radiographic follow-up 6 weeks postoperatively to assess osseous consolidation at the arthrodesis site. Following clinical and radiographic follow-up at 6 weeks, full weight bearing is gradually initiated.

RESULTS

Between January 2012 and July 2014, triple arthrodesis was performed in 11 patients with a mean age of 62 ± 14 years due to cavovarus deformity. The mean follow-up was 34 ± 8 months (range 24-48 months). In all patients, the cavovarus deformity was substantially corrected. Significant pain relief from 7.1 ± 2.2 (range 5-10) to 1.8 ± 1.5 (range 0-4) on the visual analogue scale was observed.