Lateral Column Lengthening Revisited: A Simple Intraoperative Approach to Ensure a True Extra-Articular Osteotomy

Lateral column lengthening is a common method for treatment of patients with symptomatic flat feet. Although variations of the technique have been described by many authors, there is a lack of agreement about the exact location of the osteotomy. Most authors tried to find the interval between the anterior and middle talocalcaneal facets but did not offer a reproducible method to achieve this purpose. The use of a plantarflexion anteroposterior view of the foot provides better visualization of the anatomic landmarks and helps to precisely perform the osteotomy anterior to the sustentaculum tali, with protection of the anterior and middle talocalcaneal facets.