Analysis of Gastrocnemius Recession and Medial Column Procedures as Adjuncts in Arthroereisis for the Correction of Pediatric Pes Planovalgus: A Radiographic Retrospective Study

The radiographic outcomes of 28 feet in 20 pediatric patients with pes planovalgus treated with subtalar arthroereisis, arthroereisis combined with gastrocnemius recession, or arthroereisis combined with gastrocnemius recession and medial column reconstruction were retrospectively analyzed. Preoperative and postoperative radiographic angles for talar declination, calcaneal inclination, and first metatarsal declination in the lateral view, and the angle formed between the longitudinal axis of the talus and the longitudinal axis of the lesser tarsus in the anteroposterior view were compared. Overall, analyses revealed statistically significant differences in the preoperative and postoperative radiographic angles for the 4 measured angles. Analysis by treatment group revealed statistically significant differences in correction of the angle measured in the anteroposterior view. Arthroereisis with gastrocnemius recession showed the greatest correction of this angle (median 19°, range 11° to 34°) compared with the other treatment groups. There were no statistically significant differences in the degree of correction of the calcaneal inclination or talar declination angles, whereas a statistically significant difference in the correction of first metatarsal declination was observed. The greatest degree of angular change was achieved with medial column reconstruction (median 7°, range 0° to 9°). Gastrocnemius recession displayed a notable effect on the correction of transverse plane deformity when used as an adjunct to arthroereisis. However, medial column reconstruction has a negative impact on the degree of correction in the transverse plane when it is used as an adjunct to arthroereisis and gastrocnemius recession. Level of Clinical Evidence: 4