Consensus for the Indication of Lateral Column Lengthening in the Treatment of Progressive Collapsing Foot Deformity

Progressive collapsing foot deformity (PCFD) is a complex 3D deformity with varying degrees of hindfoot valgus, forefoot abduction, and midfoot supination. Although a medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy can correct heel valgus, it has far less ability to correct forefoot abduction. More severe forefoot abduction, most frequently measured preoperatively by assessing talonavicular coverage on an anteroposterior (AP) weightbearing conventional radiographic view of the foot, can be more effectively corrected with a lateral column lengthening procedure than by other osteotomies in the foot. Care must be taken intraoperatively to not overcorrect the deformity by restricting passive eversion of the subtalar joint or causing adduction at the talonavicular joint on simulated AP weightbearing fluoroscopic imaging. Overcorrection can lead to lateral column overload with persistent lateral midfoot pain. The typical amount of lengthening of the lateral column is between 5 and 10 mm.

Level V, consensus, expert opinion.

Lateral column lengthening (LCL) procedure is recommended when the amount of talonavicular joint uncoverage is above 40%. The amount of lengthening needed in the lateral column should be judged intraoperatively by the amount of correction of the uncoverage and by adequate residual passive eversion range of motion of the subtalar joint.Delegate vote: agree, 78% (7/9); disagree, 11% (1/9); abstain, 11% (1/9).(Strong consensus).

When titrating the amount of correction of abduction deformity intraoperatively, the presence of adduction at the talonavicular joint on simulated weightbearing fluoroscopic imaging is an important sign of hypercorrection and higher risk for lateral column overload.Delegate vote: agree, 100% (9/9); disagree, 0%; abstain, 0%.(Unanimous, strongest consensus).

The typical range for performing a lateral column lengthening is between 5 and 10 mm to achieve an adequate amount of talonavicular coverage.Delegate vote: agree, 100% (9/9); disagree, 0%; abstain, 0%.(Unanimous, strongest consensus).