The Lateral Calcaneal Lengthening Osteotomy (LCLOT)-A Contemporary Review

Background: Calcaneal osteotomies are a common procedure in foot and ankle surgery for the treatment of the painful flexible Progressive Collapsing Foot Deformity (PCFD). The lateral calcaneal lengthening osteotomy (LCLOT) allows a three-dimensional foot and ankle flatfoot correction with a single osteotomy. The purpose of this article is to review the types of calcaneal lengthening osteotomies. Methods: Review of anatomical, biomechanical and clinical studies and reviews. Results: The LCLOT shall be differentiated from the Evans osteotomy or Z-shaped calcaneal lengthening osteotomy. The LCLOT is performed at the sinus tarsi and corrects at the subtalar joint axis biomechanically the pathological hindfoot valgus, foot abduction, and medial arch collapse. The LCLOT technique might vary regarding graft and fixation type. The LCLOT has good clinical results with high union rates. Conclusions: The LCLOT is a powerful and successful single-site osteotomy for the triplanar correction of the painful flexible flatfoot/PCFD.