Correction of a Complex Foot Deformity With V and Y Osteotomy and Ilizarov Method

Many authors consider the Ilizarov method as the best choice for correction of complex multiplanar foot deformities. Fifty-one patients, for a total of 55 feet, underwent V or Y osteotomy (respectively 32 and 23), 12 were due to congenital clubfoot outcomes, 11 were from post-traumatic pathologies, 9 from hemimelia, 7 from Charcot-Marie-Tooth, 5 from poliomyelitis, 3 from spina bifida, 2 from myopathy, 2 from poly-epiphyseal dysplasia, 1 from achondroplasia, 1 from arthrogryposis, 1 patient from Charcot's foot and 1 rheumatoid arthritis. All patients were contacted to undergo AOFAS and EQ-5D-5L questionnaire. The mean distraction time was 74.0 days (±25.3) and it was longer for V osteotomy (63.1 ± 21.1 vs 81.8 ± 25.4 days for Y and V respectively, p = .006). The average fixation time was 97.9 days (± 61.2), 90 days in the Y and 103 days in the V osteotomy groups. The mean preoperative foot length was longer in the group of Y osteotomy patients (158.7 ± 21.3 mm vs 133.5 ± 21.6 mm, p < .001). The mean length postoperatively was substantially the same (Y group 164.0 mm vs V group 167.4 mm, p < .562). The V osteotomy produces an elongation ratio of 440% with respect to that produced from the Y osteotomy (ratio length/distraction V/Y 0.44/0.1), with only 19% more in the distraction days. (81.8 V group vs 63.1 Y group). While the V osteotomy allows a lengthening of about 27%, the Y osteotomy, despite having correction potential superimposable to the V osteotomy, minimizes the elongation component.