Correction of severe foot deformities

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Foot and ankle reconstruction
• Paretic foot deformities

Background:

• Severe stiff paretic feet in equinovarus position present significant functional challenges.
• Traditional treatments may not adequately address complex deformities and stiffness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of arthrodesis between the tibia and calcaneus in patients with severe stiff paretic feet.
• To assess bony fusion rates and functional outcomes following surgical intervention.

Main Methods:

• Arthrodesis between tibia and calcaneus performed in 65 patients (44 nonleprosy, 21 leprosy) after extirpation of lateral malleolus and talus.
• Early mobilization with weightbearing initiated at 1 week post-surgery.

Main Results:

• High bony fusion rates achieved: 95% in nonleprosy group and 76% in leprosy group.
• Satisfying final appearance and function reported, with good range of motion in the Chopart joint.

Conclusions:

• Tibiocalcaneal arthrodesis is an effective surgical option for severe stiff paretic feet in equinovarus.
• Early weightbearing can facilitate successful fusion and functional recovery.