A comparison of lateral column lengthening and medial translational osteotomy of the calcaneus for the reconstruction of adult acquired flatfoot.

Background: This study compared the effects of lateral column lengthening and medial translational calcaneal osteotomy on pedal realignment and degeneration of adjacent hindfoot joints noted on radiographs. Methods: Forty patients who had either a lateral column lengthening (25 feet) or calcaneal osteotomy (17 feet) to reconstruct a flatfoot were retrospectively reviewed as two groups. Six parameters of foot alignment were measured from weightbearing preoperative, early postoperative, and latest followup radiographs. The magnitude of realignment achieved initially and preserved at latest followup was determined for each group. The talonavicular and subtalar joints were graded for radiographic evidence of arthritis before the reconstruction and at latest followup. Demographic information, complication rate, and reoperation associated with each group also were determined by chart review. Results: The group that received a lateral column lengthening demonstrated a greater initial realignment than the group t...