Study Highlights Overcorrection Risk in Lateral Column for CP Patients

In a recent retrospective study, researchers reviewed 282 feet in 180 ambulatory cerebral palsy (CP) patients undergoing calcaneal lateral column lengthening osteotomy (LCL) to treat pes planovalgus. The patients had an average 8.9 years at the time of surgery and were followed up for an average of 8 years.

The study involved analyzing weight-bearing X-rays and foot-pressure data at three intervals: pre-op, six months post-op, and at the final follow-up.

Most common result = overcorrection

At the final follow-up, overcorrection was the most common outcome, with only 35% of feet remaining "corrected." Meanwhile, 45% of feet became overcorrected, and 21% were undercorrected. Undercorrected feet showed higher pressure on the medial forefoot and midfoot, whereas overcorrected feet showed increased pressure at the lateral side.

Feet change with time

Initially, post-op results appeared promising, with 64% of feet corrected at six months. However, over time, 54% of those feet lost their correction. 

Take home: Don't overcook the correction in LCL

In summary, LCL can effectively improve foot alignment and pressure distribution in individuals with CP. However, these corrections may deteriorate with time, with overcorrection being the most common outcome.