Calcaneal Sliding Osteotomy Versus Calcaneal Lengthening Osteotomy for Valgus Foot Deformity Correction in Children With Cerebral Palsy.

BACKGROUND Medial calcaneal sliding (CS) osteotomy and lateral column lengthening (LCL) are often performed to relieve pain and improve transverse plane alignment and gait stability for children with cerebral palsy (CP) and valgus foot deformities. The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of these procedures in this population. METHODS Retrospective medical record review (including 3D gait analysis data) of patients with CP who underwent LCL (26 subjects, 46 limbs) or CS (46 subjects, 73 limbs). Data extraction included complications (modified Clavien-Dindo system), change in standing foot position (modified Yoo system), and change in gait kinematics and kinetics preoperatively to postoperatively. Groups were compared using paired t tests, Fisher exact test, and survivorship analysis using Cox proportional hazard models. RESULTS Subjects were 57% male, average age at surgery 11.1 (SD 2.5) years. Average length of follow-up was 3.2 (SD 2.8) years, and was longer in the LCL group (P=0.0004). Complications were minor with similar rates between groups (P=0.14). Prolonged pain and plantar hypersensitivity occurred only in the CS group. Successful maintenance of deformity correction was achieved in 52/73 limbs (71%) in the CS group and 16/44 limbs (36%) in the LCL group (P 0.20). Ankle kinematics and kinetics during gait were unchanged in both groups. CONCLUSIONS CS and LCL have similar effectiveness in providing long-lasting correction of valgus foot deformities. Concomitant talonavicular fusion is key to success of CS for lower functioning patients with severe deformities, and obligate brace wearers. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level III, retrospective comparative study.