The Cole midfoot osteotomy: a retrospective review of 11 procedures in 8 patients

This article presents the results of a retrospective chart and radiographic review of 11 feet (8 patients) that underwent a Cole midfoot osteotomy from February 1998 through October 2000 at the Western Pennsylvania Hospital. The average time to follow-up was 23 months (range, 11 to 29.5 months). A 100% bony union rate was achieved, with an average time to radiographic union of 2.3 months (range, 1.2 to 4.5 months). The average time until full weightbearing was 3.3 months (range, 2 to 4.25 months). The average preoperative talo-first metatarsal angle on an anteroposterior radiograph was 8.60 degrees and 8.64 degrees on the lateral radiograph. The average postoperative change was 3.50 degrees (P =.03) on the anteroposterior radiograph and 16.82 degrees (P =.003) on the lateral radiograph. At the final follow-up visit, all patients were independently active and were able to wear conventional shoe gear. A postoperative questionnaire was completed by 5 of 8 patients (8 of 11 feet) at a mean 21 months (range, 13 to 29.5 months) postoperatively. Of these patients, 4 of 5 patients (7 of 8 feet) would recommend this surgery to others. No major complications were reported in this study. These results suggest that the Cole midfoot osteotomy is a reasonable procedure to consider for correcting pes cavus deformities with the apex in the midfoot.