Supramalleolar Lateral Opening-Wedge Osteotomy in Conjunction With Progressive Collapsing Foot Deformity Reconstruction for PCFD With Ankle Instability

Background: Reconstruction of progressive collapsing foot deformity (PCFD) with ankle instability (PCFD class E) remains a substantial challenge to orthopaedic surgeons. We report the outcomes of PCFD class E treated by means of a relatively standard PCFD foot reconstruction approach with the addition of a supramalleolar lateral opening-wedge osteotomy. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of 13 patients (15 ankles) who underwent this procedure for PCFD class E between 2010 and 2021. Mean follow-up time was 3.8 (range, 2-6.3) years. Clinical assessment was based on the Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot (JSSF) ankle/hindfoot scale as well as a Self-Administered Foot Evaluation Questionnaire (SAFE-Q). Radiographic assessments, including identification of the mechanical ankle joint axis point and a modified valgus Takakura-Tanaka osteoarthritis grade, were recorded. Results: The mean JSSF score improved significantly from 45.2 preoperatively to 83.9 postoperatively ( P < .001). SAFE-Q scores at the final follow-up were 70.1 for the pain and pain-related subscale, 75.4 for the physical functioning and daily living subscale, 83.0 for the social functioning subscale, 74.4 for the shoe-related subscale, and 78.1 for the general health and well-being subscale. Radiographic measurements showed improvement in the tibiotalar tilt angle (average improvement: 5.4 degrees); orientation of the talus joint line relative to the ground (average improvement: 14.0 degrees); anteroposterior talus–first metatarsal angle (average improvement: 11.2 degrees), talonavicular coverage angle (average improvement: 21.6 degrees), and lateral talus–first metatarsal angle (average improvement: 17.0 degrees). Postoperatively, the mechanical ankle joint axis point moved medially for all patients and into the medial half of the ankle joint for 7 patients. The modified osteoarthritis stage improved postoperatively in most cases. Conclusion: In this select and relatively small group of patients who had a supramalleolar lateral opening-wedge osteotomy combined with PCFD reconstruction, we measured general improvement in JSSF scores and radiographic variables. Long-term durability of the procedure remains unknown. This procedure may be an option for preserving the ankle joint in treatment of PCFD class E with osteoarthritis of the ankle. Level of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic.