Evans Osteotomy Complications

In 1975, Evans published an article describing the surgical management of the "calcaneo-valgus deformity," pointing out that the deformity was due to relative shortening of the lateral column of the foot. Correction involved "equalizing" both columns by performing an osteotomy in the neck of the calcaneus 1.5 cm from the calcaneocuboid joint, where a trapezoidal wedge of tricortical bone was placed. Although it was considered a success, there were complications, including sural nerve injury, surgical wound dehiscence, undercorrection, and graft subsidence. The osteotomy grew in popularity. Indications extended to other forms of flatfoot with a low incidence of complications.