A pictorial review of reconstructive foot and ankle surgery: evaluation and intervention of the flatfoot deformity

Abstract

This pictorial review focuses on basic procedures performed within the field of podiatric surgery, specifically for elective reconstruction of the midfoot and rearfoot with focus on the flatfoot deformity. Our goal is to demonstrate objective radiographic parameters that surgeons utilize to initially define the deformity, lead to procedure selection, and judge post-operative outcomes. We hope that radiologists will employ this information to improve their assessment of post-operative radiographs following reconstructive foot surgeries. First, relevant radiographic measurements are defined and their role in procedure selection explained. Second, the specific surgical procedures of the Evans calcaneal osteotomy, medial calcaneal slide osteotomy, Cotton osteotomy, subtalar joint arthroeresis, and arthrodeses of the rearfoot are described. Finally, specific plain film radiographic findings that judge post-operative outcomes for each procedure are detailed.