Medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy using minimally invasive technique

Medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy is a common procedure often used as part of pes planovalgus deformity correction. Traditionally the osteotomy is performed using a direct lateral or extended lateral approach, which may carry the risk of wound problems, infection and neurovascular injury. The authors describe a minimally invasive technique to perform the osteotomy and achieve the desired correction. The article illustrates our experience and learning curve with the use of this technique as an option for calcaneal osteotomy.

We retrospectively reviewed the records of a sequential series of patients since 2011 whose calcaneal osteotomies were performed by 2 surgeons, after cadaveric training using a minimally invasive operative approach. Prior to 2011, similar surgeries, performed by the senior authors, were undertaken using a direct lateral approach. Thirty cases were identified; 29 had tibialis posterior reconstruction coupled with calcaneal osteotomy for acquired flexible planovalgus deformity and 1 patient had surgery for a malunited calcaneal fracture.

Radiological and clinical union occurred in all 30 cases (100%). The radiographs of all cases were reviewed by a specialist musculoskeletal radiologist. There were no neurovascular or wound complications. All patients had restoration of neutral hindfoot alignment. One patient required screw removal after union, resolving all symptoms.

This series suggests that minimally invasive calcaneal osteotomy surgery can achieve excellent union rates aiding correction of deformity with no observed neurovascular or soft tissue complications. For surgeons experienced in open surgery, there is a short learning curve after appropriate training.