Severe Flexible Pes Planovalgus Deformity Correction Using Trabecular Metallic Wedges

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Foot and Ankle Reconstruction
• Biomaterials in Orthopedics

Background:

• Severe flexible pes planovalgus deformity often requires surgical correction.
• Traditional osteotomy procedures utilize iliac crest autograft or allograft for bone void filling.
• Concerns regarding autograft and allograft necessitate exploring alternative biomaterials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of porous metallic wedges as an alternative to bone graft in corrective osteotomies for severe flexible pes planovalgus.
• To assess radiographic and functional outcomes in patients treated with metallic wedges.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of patients undergoing corrective osteotomies with metallic wedges for flexible pes planovalgus.
• Comparison of preoperative and postoperative radiographic measurements (AP talo-first metatarsal angle, calcaneal pitch, talocalcaneal angle, talonavicular uncoverage angle).
• Evaluation of functional scores including visual analog scale (VAS) pain and Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) for ADL and Sports.

Main Results:

• Statistically significant improvements observed in all radiographic parameters and functional scores.
• Two cases of nonunion occurred, with one successfully treated via revision surgery.
• No recurrence of deformity or collapse was noted at the final radiographic follow-up.

Conclusions:

• Porous metallic wedges are a viable alternative to autograft/allograft for corrective osteotomies in severe flexible pes planovalgus.
• Metallic wedges facilitate reliable, effective, and stable radiographic correction.
• Treatment with metallic wedges leads to significant improvements in patient function and pain reduction.