Introduction. Charcot Arthropathy related foot and ankle deformities are a serious challenge. Surgical treatment of these deformities is now well established. The traditional surgical method of extensive surgical exposure, excision of bone, acute correction and internal fixation is not always appropriate in presence of active ulceration, deep infection and poor bone quality. Minimally invasive osteotomies and gradual correction of deformities with a circular frame are proving helpful in minimizing complications. We present our experience with the use of Taylor Spatial Frame (TSF) in 10 patients with recurrent ulceration and deformity. Materials and Methods. Our indication for the treatment with TSF is recurrent or intractable ulceration with or without active bone infection or a history of infection in a deformed foot and/or ankle. There are 2 female and 8 male patients in this cohort. We used a long bone module for ankle and hindfoot deformities (3 patients) and a forefoot 6×6 butt frame (7 patients) for midfoot deformities. An osteotomy through midfoot was performed in all chronic stable midfoot deformity cases and a calcaneal osteotomy and gradual correction through ankle in when hindfoot and ankle deformities co-existed. Results. Our outcome measures are a complete healing of ulcer and infection without recurrence, clinically plantigrade foot and ability to wear regular shoes or diabetic footwear. We achieved this outcome in 9 out of 10 patients. Successful patients remain ulcer free at minimum 7 and maximum 14 years follow up. Complications included eight episodes of pin infection that responded to oral antibiotics only and two pin breakages. Conclusions. Our results confirm that Taylor Spatial Frame treatment is a good alternative to traditional surgery in high-risk complex Charcot neuroarthropathy foot and ankle deformities

Survivors of meningococcal septicaemia often develop progressive skeletal deformity secondary to physeal damage at multiple sites, particularly in the lower limb. Distal tibial physeal arrest typically occurs with sparing of the distal fibular physis leading to a rapidly progressive varus ankle deformity. There is no previous literature reporting this ankle deformity following meningococcal septicaemia. We report the management of this deformity in 13 ankles in 10 consecutive patients 36 months after meningococcal septicaemia. Plain radiographs and MRI were used to define the deformity and the extent of growth plate involvement. The Taylor Spatial Frame (TSF) with a distal tibial metaphyseal osteotomy was used to restore the distal tibio-fibular joint. Distal fibular epiphysiodesis was performed in all ankles at the initial procedure. Distal tibial epiphysiodesis was performed at the time of fixator removal. The age at operation ranged from 3–14 years (mean 8). The preoperative ankle varus deformity ranged from 9–29 degrees (mean 19). The differential shortening of the tibia with respect to fibula was on average 1.2 cms. The mean time in frame was 136 days. After a mean follow-up of 1.7 years results were excellent in all patients with complete correction of deformity and shortening. Mechanincal axis was corrected in all patients. Complications included, 4 superficial pin site infections, 1 lateral peroneal nerve palsy which recovered completely. There were no major nerve or vascular complications. We consider that this approach provides a powerful method of correction for this difficult group of patients

The relationship between hindfoot and forefoot kinematics is an important factor in the planning of ankle arthrodesis and ankle arthroplasty surgery. As more severe ankle deformities are corrected, improved techniques are required to assess and plan hindfoot to forefoot balancing. Gait analysis has previously been reported in patients with ankle arthritis without deformity. This group of patients have reduced intersegment motion in all measured angles. We have looked at a small group of patients with hindfoot deformity and ankle arthritis awaiting fusion or replacement. Using the Oxford Foot Model we have assessed lower limb kinematics with a focus on hindfoot to forefoot relationships. The results of our pilot study are in variance to previous studies in that we have shown that in the presence of hindfoot/ankle deformity, the forefoot range of motion increases. We feel that these data may impact on surgical planning

Aims. To systematically review the outcomes and complications of cosmetic stature lengthening. Methods. PubMed and Embase were searched on 10 November 2019 by three reviewers independently, and all relevant studies in English published up to that date were considered based on predetermined inclusion/exclusion criteria. The search was done using “cosmetic lengthening” and “stature lengthening” as key terms. The Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement was used to screen the articles. Results. A total of 11 studies including 795 patients were included. The techniques used in the majority of the patients were classic 3- or 4-ring Ilizarov fixator (267 patients; 33.6%) and lengthening over nail (LON) (253 patients; 31.8%), while implantable lengthening nail (ILN) was used in the smallest number of patients (63 patients; 7.9%). Mean end lengthening achieved was 6.7 cm (SD 0.6; 1.5 to 13.0), and the mean follow-up duration was 4.9 years (SD 2.1; 41 days to 7 years). Overall, the mean number of problems, obstacles, and complications per patient was 0.78 (SD 0.5), 0.94 (SD 1.0), and 0.15 (SD 0.2), respectively. The most common problem and obstacle was ankle equinus deformity, while the most common complications were deformation of the regenerate after end of treatment and subtalar joint stiffness/deformity. Conclusion. Cosmetic stature lengthening provides favourable height gain, patient satisfaction, and functional outcomes, with low rate of major complications. Clear indications, contraindications, and guidelines for cosmetic stature lengthening are needed. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2020;9(7):341–350

Background: Ankle fractures in the elderly with osteoporotic bones are often difficult to manage. The argument of whether we should treat such fractures surgically, conservatively or even plan primary arthrodesis is always there. Also, there is risk of difficult or failed fixation. Patients and Methods: The study was a retrospective evaluation of the management and follow up of 126 patients presented with ankle fracture between 2001 and 2007. All patients were above 60 years at the time of injury and were treated whether conservatively or surgically. Results: About 77% of our patients underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). The remaining had closed manipulation under anaesthesia (MUA) done. Some patients had multiple co-morbidities including diabetes (around 10%). The results of fixation were satisfactory. Early complications included superficial wound infection (13% of patients-all infections settled after conservative management with antibiotics and dressings), one chest infection. No difference in diabetic patients. Late complications include development of osteoarthritis (2%) and metal work loosening (2%). There were no reported ankle deformities and satisfactory union of fracture was achieved in all patients. Amongst patients who underwent MUA, more than 20% developed post traumatic osteoarthritis of ankle and 18% had chronic ankle pain. Ankle deformity was reported in 2 patients. Conclusion: Our results show that accurate reduction and internal fixation of ankle fracture in the elderly is beneficial and of lower complication rates compared to MUA alone. The osteosynthesis failure rate was very low and patient spent less time in plaster and started physiotherapy earlier

Introduction and Aims: We report a series of 41 corrections in 36 adult patients performed for complex deformities of the foot and ankle using circular external fixation, with a mean follow-up of 4.4 years. The foot and ankle deformities were 18 hindfoot equines, two forefoot equines, six hindfoot and forefoot equines, eight equinovarus, two equinovalgus, one heel varus, four combination of these deformities. All patients had associated proximal pathology. These included seven shortening (six tibia, one femur), eight deformities (seven tibia, one femur), eight non-union (five infected non-union), (14) combination of these pathologies. All required simultaneous correction. Method: We studied the aetiology, pathophysiology of injury, clinical and radiological evaluation, and the outcome of treatment. The patients’ mean age was 37 years (range 16–56). Thirty deformities were sequelae of severe lower limb trauma; the others were due to neurological, congenital and iatrogenic causes. In all patients, conventional surgical methods had failed to achieve correction and many of them were considered for amputation. We describe the operative strategy and technique. Results: The aim of foot and ankle surgery was correction of deformity and contractures in 28 instances, correction of deformity and ankle fusion in 11 instances, and correction of deformity and ankle distraction in two instances. Thirty patients underwent bony corrective osteotomies, nine foot and ankle, 20 tibia and fibulae, one femur. For each patient, specific treatment goals were delineated that were realistically achievable. There were (78%) good to excellent results, (14%) fair result and (8%) poor results, which resulted in below knee amputation. Conclusion: Circular external fixation offers a versatile and effective method of treatment of a variety of complex foot and ankle deformities. If foot and leg deformities coexist consider simultaneous correction. Fusion should be considered where muscular imbalance exists

Aims

Leg length discrepancy (LLD) is a common pre- and postoperative issue in total hip arthroplasty (THA) patients. The conventional technique for measuring LLD has historically been on a non-weightbearing anteroposterior pelvic radiograph; however, this does not capture many potential sources of LLD. The aim of this study was to determine if long-limb EOS radiology can provide a more reproducible and holistic measurement of LLD.

Introduction. Review of the literature indicates variable results for ankle arthrodesis with many complications. With improved prothesis and technique for total ankle arthroplasty and an increase in severe ankle deformities such as Charcot's joint and the neuropathic diabetic foot we are faced with the need to decrease the variables in ankle arthrodesis in primary and salvage arthrodesis. We will review current methods for ankle arthrodesis and critic how they deal with primary and revision ankle arthrodesis surgery. Materials and methods. A customised plate or modified synthes proximal tibial plate and technique for salvage of complex pathology utilising a anterior approach and application of a contoured ustomised plate with co-axial screw fixation. Anterior incision was performed with removal of the lateral malleolus, for bone grafting in revision cases only. Thirteen arthrodeses were performed; four of these were pan-talar. All patients underwent objective and subjective assessments including overall patient satisfaction. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle/hind foot scoring system was used. The aim of this study is to identify the time taken to achieve radiologic arthrodesis, complications encountered, the required post-operative recovery for arthrodesis to be achieved and the overall patient satisfaction of results in the early to midterm post-operative period have been followed up for three years. Conclusion. The technique offers considerable flexibility allowing the calcaneus to be incorporated in the proposed arthrodesis where necessary. With multiple points for fixation and coaxial screw entry points the contoured customised plate provides a rigid fixation for arthrodesis stabilisation with added compression being the major advantage of this technique

Introduction. Taylor Spatial Frame (TSF) has been designed to treat complex tibial, foot and ankle deformities using computer software. We have performed various osteotomies in combination with different soft tissue procedures, with the use of TSF. Material and Methods. A retrospective study of 20 consecutive patients operated by, senior author SSM, from 2004 onwards who underwent surgical correction of tibia, ankle, midfoot and hind foot including lateral column lengthening, calcaneal and midfoot osteotomies. Demographic details, diagnosis, procedures (including previous operations), length of follow-up, outcome and complications were recorded. Of the 20 patients, 13 were men and 7 women. The mean age was 39 years (range 18 to 70). 5 patients had TSF for malunion or non-union of ankle fractures, malunion of tibia (5), congenital talipes equino-varus(3), acute fracture of ankle (2), one patient each for spina bifida, Poliomyelitis, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, equino-varus due to periventricular leuco-encephalopathy and avascular necrosis of the talus. Bilateral TSF for torsional malalignment of tibia (1). Results. Follow up 6 to 54 months (mean 19.4). Patient based foot and ankle outcome criteria were used. Of the 20 patients, 16 had no pain and satisfactory range of movement and function at the last follow up. Post-operative complications included pin site infection(2) and frame hardware malfunction (2)patients, residual deformity requiring surgical correction at 22 months, (1) delayed union, neuropathic pain in (1), residual equinus deformity requiring Botox injections(1) and osteomyelitis requiring debridement(1). Conclusion. We present this series of complex congenital and acquired conditions of the foot and ankle treated with corrective osteotomies and Taylor Spatial Frame with good results

Modern pharmaceutical treatment of RA seems to result in less need of prophylactic surgery but the burden of secondary osteoarthrosis of the the large joints in the lower extremity will be present for a foreseeable future. The results of hip an knee arthroplasty are well known from the Swedish Arthroplasty Registers. Severe deformities of the hip and knee are nowadays very seldom seen, but the same does not hold true for the ankle and foot. As more RA patients are offered hip and knee replacement they will start loading their feet to an extent which the feet are not always able to withstand. Effetcive pain-killing pharmaceuticals also means a possibility to put weight even on an arthritic deformed foot. Thus, severe foot and ankle deformities are still rather frequently seen. Improved surgical methods for correction have evolved and in most cases reconstructive ankle and foot surgery will restore the weightbearing capacity of the RA foot

Background. Total ankle arthrpoplasty (TAA) was performed frequently for ankle deformity caused by rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA). TAA has some advantages over ankle arthrodesis in range of motion (ROM). However, loosening and sinking of implant have been reported with several prostheses, especially constrained designs. Recently, we have performed mobile bearing TAA and report short term results of this prosthesis followed average 3 years. Method. 20 total ankle prostheses were implanted in patients with RA (n=14) or OA (n=6) in 19 patients (5 male and 14 female, one bilateral), between 2005 and 2009. We used FINE total ankle arthroplasty that is mobile bearing system (Nakashima Medical Co., Ltd, Okayama, Japan). All patients were assessed for American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, ROM in plantar flexion and dorsiflexion at the point of pre-operation and final follow-up. We evaluated radiolucent line, sinking, and alignment of prostheses at final follow-up. Results. At the operation, patients were, on average, 64.1 years old. The mean follow-up period was 34.0 (6∼55) months. We found excellent satisfaction and a significant improvement of AOFAS score. Plantar flexion and dorsiflexion also improved compared with the preoperative state, but not significantly (table 1). At final follow-up, five ankles (25%) showed radiolucent line around the components or sinking of prostheses. Three ankles (15%) was performed reoperation, due to early infection, progressive medial OA change by sinking, and loosening of the talus component. Discussion. Radiolucent line around the components or sinking of prostheses occurred at high frequency (25%). But, only two ankles (10%) were had to reoperation, cause by pain. We take account of the fact that the symptom was lack in spite of radiological changes. Good clinical results can be achieved with FINE total ankle arthroplasty system. However, this series was short term of follow-up. We need to evaluate mid- and long- clinical results. Mobile bearing total ankle arthroplasty is a treatment option for RA and OA

Between 1993 and 2000 we conducted a prospective study of 50 patients presenting late with ankle fractures. They all had with persistent pain, swelling, ankle deformity and difficulty with walking. Reasons for presenting late included fracture blisters, under-treatment, refusal of surgery and neglect. The mean age of patients was 44.1 years (20 to 82). The mean delay between injury and treatment was 18.4 weeks (4 to 64). All patients underwent open reduction and internal fixation. Operations were more demanding when done after 24 weeks or in cases of Weber C fractures. Anatomical reduction was achieved in 88% of cases and clinical and radiological deformity corrected in all. All fractures went on to union and patients attained satisfactory motion. There were improvements in pain, swelling and walking. Three cases of deep sepsis were treated with debridement and antibiotics. Ankylosis developed in two patients and arthritis in seven. The encouraging results suggest that symptomatic, malunited and displaced intra-articular ankle fractures should be treated surgically, even when presented late

Aim: To evaluate the results of management of Char-cot foot and ankle deformities by the use of the Ilizarov apparatus. Material-Method: This is a retrospective study of 11 cases (9 patients) aged from 39 to 60 years old (mean 44 years), all suffering from Charcot foot neuroarthropathy. All cases showed established midfoot breakdown. In four cases hindfoot deformity coexisted. Three feet were ulcerated. In six cases the Iizarov frame was applied using complex hinges and closed compression fusions were performed, utilizing the bent wire technique. In five cases the correction of the deformities was performed acutely with the use of percutaneous cannulated screws. In the later cases the Ilizarov frame neutralized the former osteosynthesis method. The Ilizarov device remained attached for 8 weeks, regardless the presence of other osteosynthesis hardware. The Maryland Foot score (MFS) was utilized for objective assessment by the physician and the SF-36 questionaire for subjective assessment by the patient. Results: A statistically significant improvement in MFS and SF-36 score was recorded. In all cases the aim for a stable and painless extremity was achieved. All patients returned to their previous activities and kept using normal shoe wear. Conclusions: A lot of references are found in the literature describing failure in the treatment of Charcot foot deformity with the use of internal fixation. This is justified by the poor bone quality and decreased bone density of the diabetic and alcoholic patients. The use of tensioned wires in multiple levels provides adequate fixation in cases where a frame is used solely and safe neutralization where a frame is combined with internal fixation

We report a series of sixty corrections in fifty-five adult patients performed from 1989 to 2001 for complex deformities of the foot and ankle, using circular external fixation, with a mean follow up of 4.4 years. We studied the aetiology, pathophysiology of injury, clinical and radiological evaluation, and the method and outcome of treatment. The patients mean age was 37 years (range 16–65). 37 male. 18 females. 44 deformities were sequel of severe lower limb trauma; the others were due to neurological, congenital and iatrogenic causes. 38 patients had associated proximal pathology including non-union, malunion, shortening and deformities. This required simultaneous correction. In most patients, conventional surgery had failed to achieve correction and many of them were considered for amputation. The aim of surgery was correction of deformity in forty-two occasions and correction of deformity with ankle fusion in eighteen occasions. For each patient, specific treatment goals were delineated that were realistically achievable. Initial complete correction was achieved in fifty-two patients; there was recurrence of the deformity in fourteen. Forty patients needed corrective osteotomies (16 ankles, 24 tibia and fibula). The results were classified as excellent in six patients, good in thirty-five patients, fair in eight patients, poor in six patients, five of whom had a below-knee amputation. Complications were minor and all resolved with appropriate therapy. Conclusion: Circular external fixation offer a versatile and effective method of treatment of a variety of complex foot and ankle deformities; however, the surgeon should be familiar with both, their application and subsequent management. If foot and leg deformities coexist consider simultaneous correction. Corrective osteotomies may lead to less recurrence than soft tissue correction alone. Fusion should be considered where muscular imbalance or severe degenerative changes exists. In some cases with severe pathology; the only other option may be amputation

We analyzed the radiographic results of patients treated surgically for flatfoot deformity and who underwent medial cuneiform opening wedge osteotomy as part of the operative procedure. The aim of this study was to confirm the utility of the cuneiform osteotomy as part of the correction of hindfoot and ankle deformity. All patients requiring operative management of flatfoot deformity between January 2002 and December 2007 were prospectively entered in a database. We selected all patients who underwent medial cuneiform opening wedge osteotomy. We measured standardized and validated radiographic parameters on pre and post-operative weight bearing radiographs of the foot. All radiographs were assessed using the digital imaging software package (Siemens). The following measurements were used: lateral talus-1st metatarsal angle; medial cuneiform to floor distance (mm), talar declination angle, calcaneal-talar angle, calcaneal pitch angle, 1st metatarsal declination angle, talonavicular coverage angle, and anteroposterior talus-1st metatarsal angle. Other variables including concomitant surgical procedures, healing of the osteotomy, malunion, and adjacent joint arthritis were also noted. There were 86 patients with a mean age of 36 years (range 9–80). 15 patients had bilateral surgery. The aetiology of the deformity was flexible flat-foot in 48, rupture of the posterior tibial tendon in 41, rigid flatfoot deformity with a fixed forefoot supination deformity in 7, and fixed forefoot varus with metatarsus elevatus in 5. In addition to an opening wedge medial cuneiform osteotomy, a lateral column lengthening calcaneus osteotomy was performed in 80, a gastrocnemius recession in 76, a supramalleolar osteotomy in 2, a triple arthrodesis in 4, a subtalar arthroerisis in 13, excision of an accessory navicular in 6, a tendon transfer in 15 and medial-slide calcaneal osteotomy in 8 patients. The mean lateral talus-1st metatarsal angle improved from 23° to 1°; the mean medial cuneiform to floor distance improved from 20mm to 34mm; the mean talar declination angle improved from 39° to 27°; the mean calcaneal-talar angle improved from 64° to 55°; the calcaneal pitch angle improved from 14° to 23°; the mean 1st metatarsal declination angle improved from 17° to 26°; the mean talonavicular coverage angle improved from 45° to 18°; and the mean anteroposterior talus-1st metatarsal angle improved from 19° to 0° Radiographical analysis confirms that the medial cuneiform opening wedge osteotomy is a reliable and valuable surgical tool in the correction of the forefoot which is associated with flatfoot deformity and that arthrodesis of the 1st metatarsocuneiform joint may not be required to obtain correction of the elevated 1st metatarsal

Background: Amputation of the distal fibula for malignant tumors is accepted practice. Few studies have reported limb salvage surgery for malignant tumors of the distal fibula. After distal fibulectomy, the main concerns are local recurrence of the tumor and ankle instability and deformity related to total resection of the lateral malleolus. Our objective was to analyze the oncologic and functional outcome of lateral malleolus en bloc resection for malignant tumors of the distal fibula, with special attention to operative techniques, reconstruction methods, and postoperative complications. Methods: The authors identified ten patients who had malignant tumors of the distal fibula requiring total resection of the lateral malleolus. The patients’ medical records, operative reports, radiographs, and the histologic specimens were reviewed. There were four children (mean age, 7.5 years) and six adults (mean age, 42.16 years). The distal metaphysis was involved in seven patients and the epiphysis in three. There were four osteosarcomas, three chondrosarcomas, two Ewing sarcomas, and one adamantinoma. The most common symptoms at presentation were a palpable mass in nine patients, ankle pain in six, and pathologic fracture in one. The mean duration of symptoms before diagnosis and treatment was nineteen months. All patients had operative treatment; two patients with osteosarcoma had perioperative chemotherapy and one patient with Ewing sarcoma had radiotherapy and chemotherapy and another patient with Ewing sarcoma had chemotherapy only. Two types of “en bloc” resection of the distal fibula were performed. Wide (type II) extra-articular resection was performed in seven patients. Marginal (type I) intra-articular resection of the distal fibula was performed in three patients. After resection, a primary ankle arthrodesis was performed in four adults and postoperative bracing without any reconstruction in four children and two adults. Results: Within a mean follow-up time of 14.4 years (range, three to thirty years), tumor recurred locally in two patients after a marginal type I resection of a chondrosarcoma, and in one after a type II wide extra-articular resection of an osteosarcoma. All ten patients were disease-free at latest follow-up examination. Six patients had reoperation. A below-knee amputation was performed in three patients for chronic osteomyelitis, for local recurrence of chondrosarcoma, and for a late adamantinoma of the tibia. One patient had further soft tissue and bone reconstructive surgery for lateral talus subluxation and cavovarus deformity. Another patient required ankle arthrodesis for recurrent ankle instability and ankle joint degenerative changes. One patient had wide re-resection for local recurrence of an osteosarcoma. All ten patients were ambulatory at latest follow-up evaluation. Four adult patients who underwent primary arthrodesis and one child who had no initial reconstruction and had late ankle arthrodesis had a satisfactory outcome, with an ISOLS functional score of 27.6 (92%). Two adolescents who had postoperative bracing without any soft tissue reconstruction had an ISOLS functional score of 24 (80%) with no ankle pain and satisfactory function; they used an ankle-foot orthosis during sports activities. Three patients who subsequently required below-knee amputation used a below-knee prosthesis for ambulation. Conclusions: Limb salvage surgery for high-grade malignant tumors of the distal fibula can be achieved by wide extra-articular resection. For low-grade malignant tumors or high-grade tumors responding to adjuvant therapy, a more conservative marginal intra-articular resection may be adequate. Primary arthrodesis is indicated in adults after wide extra-articular resection. In children, repair of the lateral soft tissues and reconstruction of the tibiofibular mortise is necessary after tumor resection to avoid late ankle deformity or instability

Clinical features and radiographic findings of three patients with dysplasia epiphysealis hemimelica (Trevor disease) are reviewed. In all patients the osteochondromatous lesions grow out from the epiphysis of the ankle joint with single lower extremity involved. The clinical symptoms, localization and roentgenogram are most important factors for confirming diagnosis. One patient presented with ankle varus deformity was found associated partial arrest of the distal tibial growth plate, surgical treatment including three arthrotomy with excision intraarthicular osteochondromatous lesions procedures, and one combined Langenskoid physeal bar excision procedure. Symptoms relieved and ankle function improvement were found in all three patients. MRI can provide further information such as: joint congruous, separation plane between the epiphysis and accessory osteochondromatous lesion; physeal plate growth disturbance conditions, and enabling precise localization and surgical treatment

Aims: The purpose of this paper is to review a series of ankle post-traumatic deformities treated by arthroplasty, þbula lengthening, bone graft and correction of the malunion. Methods: 30 cases, mean age 40 (±15), were operated 6–30 months after injury and followed up at 5 years. Clinical Maryland foot score (MFS) and X-ray evaluation were performed pre op and at follow up. After medial revision of bone and soft tissue structures, through a lateral transmalleolar approach, mal-union of the posterior malleolus or sinking of the lateral tibial plafond were corrected using autologous cortical cancellous bone graft covered by its periosteal ßap. Postoperative treatment consisted of immediate continual passive motion weightbearing allowed after an average of 8–12 weeks after surgery. Results: Pre op MFS was 64±8 and post-op it was 82±11. 11 patients had excellent results with normal range of motion, no pain, and no progression of the arthritis. The result in 9 cases was good with a normal range of motion, little pain after long walk, and no progression of arthritis. 7 cases were fair because of a decrease in the range of motion and progression of arthritis and moderate pain. 3 poor cases needed arthrodesis. Conclusions: Fibula lengthening, bone graft and correction of malunion were effective treatment of ankle post-traumatic valgus deformity in order to delay ankle fusion in young patients. The success of the procedure was correlated to the severity of arthritis and the joint congruity obtained by surgery

The purpose of this paper is to report on the use of a tendon transfer (anterior tibial to midfoot) to correct dynamic foot and ankle varus deformity. Anterior tibial tendon transfer to mid-foot is useful to consider in planning treatment where there is a need to rebalance a foot in which the unopposed or weakly opposed anterior tibial causes the abnormal varus position of the foot and ankle. 12 patients, 22 feet had anterior tibial tendon transfers performed. 10 were bilateral. 10 patients had neuromuscular disease as the underlying cause for the foot imbalance, 1 patient had idiopathic clubfoot with residual, recalcitrant varus after earlier posteromedial release and 1 patient was hemiplegic secondary to stroke caused by encephalopathy. Age of the patients at the time of their initial procedure(s) ranged from 2 to 34. There was at least 1 year follow-up after each procedure for the patient to be entered into this study. A 1-grade functional loss was encountered following tendon transfer of anterior tibial muscles grading between 4–5. (4=good, 5=being normal). The transferred muscles allowed the dynamic varus deformity to be removed and the foot to become plantigrade. In its transferred position, it functioned to actively contract and contributed to give support of the ankle. After an initial period of cast use post-operatively and bracing for 6 months to support the transfer, continued use of AFO was no longer necessary. Anterior tibial tendon transfer to mid-foot, originally described by Garceau continues to be an useful method for rebalancing a foot in which the abnormal pull of the normal or almost normal functioning anterior tibial muscle. This muscle is unopposed or weakly opposed because of the underlying neuromuscular disorder or previous surgery. Thus, it causes the foot and ankle to turn into varus. The technique used is straightforward and simple. It is a useful procedure to consider when rebalancing a foot may be needed