An Algorithm to Assist the Surgical Decision Making in the Operative Management of the Cavovarus Foot

Category:HindfootIntroduction/Purpose:The cavovarus foot is a complex deformity caused by muscle imbalance, soft-tissue contracture and secondary bony abnormality. It is a combination of hindfoot, midfoot and forefoot deformity and the decision making process for surgical management can be difficult. The process of deciding which combination of procedures is required is often poorly understood. We present an algorithm to assist with this decision making.Methods:We have analyzed a single surgeon's experience of cavovarus foot correction, from a consecutive series of 60 patients over 6 years, to develop an algorithm to guide operative decision making. Cases included cavovarus deformity secondary to cerebral palsy, Frie-dreich's ataxia, Charcot Marie Tooth disease, post-traumatic contracture, post-cerebrovascular accident, iatrogenic post-surgery and physiological cavus. We have taken a systematic appr oach to each component of the deformity in order to generate the algorithm.Results:To assist in rationalizi...