Silver calcaneal osteotomy for flexible flatfoot: a retrospective preliminary report

There are many procedures in vogue today for the surgical correction of pathologic pes plano valgus deformity. The Silver opening wedge calcaneal osteotomy is utilized to correct excessive heel valgus and attempts to realign the heel under the weight-bearing surface of the tibia. It has no effect on the position or function of the subtalar joint. Midtarsal joint stress is decreased and the foot retains its ability to adapt to uneven terrain. The procedure is rarely used alone and is most frequently combined with heel cord lengthening or gastrocnemius tendon recession. In this presentation, the authors review the indications, contraindications, fundamentals of bone grafting, surgical technique, postoperative care and possible complications of the Silver calcaneal osteotomy. Preliminary results based on 10 cases during the past 3 years have been favorable.