The treatment of Johnson stage 2 posterior tibial tendon insufficiency remains controversial. Because the deformities remain flexible in stage 2, bony osteotomies are preferable over fusion operations. It is our contention that operative intervention should address all of the components of the pes planovalgus deformity that exists in stage 2 disease. Seventeen patients with 20 cases of stage 2 posterior tibial tendon insufficiency were treated with heel cord lengthening, flexor digitorum longus to medial cuneiform tendon transfer, lateral column lengthening, and medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy. Preoperative, postoperative, and final radiographs while standing were analyzed to determine radiographic correction of the deformities. In addition, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society's ankle/hindfoot rating scale was applied to all patients before surgery and at 6-month intervals after surgery. Currently, the average follow-up is 17.5 months. The average foot rating score preoperatively was 51.4 and has improved to 82.8.Radiograph measurements have demonstrated statistically significant correction of the pes planovalgus deformity, as well as maintenance of the correction to date.It is our conclusion that this combination of surgical procedures provides correction of the symptomatology and deformity associated with stage 2 posterior tibial tendon insufficiency. The long-term result of the procedure is unknown.
26 patients with 28 pes planovalgus feet secondary to Johnson stage 2 posterior tibial tendon insufficiency were treated with flexor digitorum longus tendon transfer, lateral column lengthening, medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy, and heel cord lengthening. The mean patient age at surgery was 48.5 years. The AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scale was applied postoperatively to assess clinical outcome. Preoperative and postoperative standing radiographs of the foot and ankle were analyzed to determine radiographic correction of the pes planovalgus deformities. The mean follow-up to date is 5 years. The mean ankle-hindfoot score was 90 postoperatively. The medial cuneiform to fifth metatarsal distance improved from -0.2 mm preoperatively to 7.6 mm postoperatively. Similarly, the talonavicular distance improved from 19.4 mm preoperatively to 10.9 postoperatively. There were no nonunions. Four feet (14%) displayed radiographic signs of calcaneocuboid arthritis at follow-up. Only one was symptomatic requiring calcaneocuboid joint fusion. The double osteotomy technique provides symptomatic relief and lasting correction of the pes planovalgus deformity associated with stage 2 posterior tibial tendon insufficiency at intermediate follow-up. It has a high patient satisfaction based on the AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scale and radiographic measurements demonstrate maintenance of correction of the adult acquired flatfoot.
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