Two-stage corrective operation for the treatment of pes cavovarus in patients with spina bifida

Pes cavovarus has an estimated incidence of 8%-17% in patients with spina bifida (SB). The majority of the current literature on surgical treatment of cavovarus feet in children and adolescents includes a variety of diagnoses. There are currently no case series describing a treatment algorithm for deformity correction in this specific patient population. The authors of this study present the results of a retrospective case series performed to assess the radiographic outcomes of two-stage corrective surgery in patients with SB.

To assess the radiographic outcomes of a staged operation consisting of radical plantar release followed by osteotomy for pes cavovarus in patients with SB.

Retrospective chart review was performed on patients with SB with a diagnosis of pes cavovarus at a freestanding children's hospital who underwent surgical correction of the deformity. Patients were excluded for lack of two-stage corrective operation, nonambulatory status, lack of at least six months follow-up, and age > 18 years at the time of surgery. This resulted in a cohort of 19 patients. Radiographic analysis was performed on 11 feet that had a complete series of preoperative and postoperative weightbearing X-rays. Preoperative and postoperative radiographic outcome measurements were compared using a two-sample t-test.

Significant changes between the preoperative and postoperative measurements were seen in Meary's angle, the anteroposterior talo-first metatarsal (AP TMT1) angle, and the talonavicular coverage. Mean values of Meary's angle were 17.9 ± 13.1 preoperatively and 4.7 ± 10.3 postoperatively (P = 0.016). Mean AP TMT1 angle was 20.6 ± 15.1 preoperatively and 9.3 ± 5.5 postoperatively (P = 0.011). Mean talonavicular coverage values were -10.3 ± 9.6 preoperatively and -3.8 ± 10.1 postoperatively (P = 0.025).

The two-stage corrective procedure demonstrated efficacy in correcting cavovarus deformity in patients with SB. Providers should strongly consider employing the staged surgical algorithm presented in this manuscript for management of these patients.