Background: The optimal fixation strategy for hallux valgus correction using the Minimally Invasive Chevron and Akin (MICA) procedure remains debated despite ongoing advances and active discussion at recent international surgical congresses. While du-al-screw fixation is commonly employed to prevent malunion, single-screw fixation may suffice in select cases. Methods: From 2019 to November 2023, a single-surgeon case series was conducted, including 105 patients with mild to moderate HV who had failed nonoperative management and underwent MICA correction. Patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 (n = 49) received single-screw fixation; Group 2 (n = 56) received du-al-screw fixation. Pre- and postoperative weight-bearing radiographs were used to assess hallux valgus angle, intermetatarsal angle, and distal metatarsal articular angle. Postoperative CT scans were obtained when complications were suspected. Outcomes included complication rates, operative time, fluoroscopy duration, and radiation exposure, with clinical follow-up of at least 3 months for all patients. Results: Clinical outcomes were comparable between groups. A significant difference in osteotomy translation was observed between single- and dual-screw cohorts. One case of delayed union occurred in the single-screw group, and one case of delayed union with loss of correction was noted in the dual-screw group. Operative time, fluoroscopy duration, and radiation exposure were significantly lower with single-screw fixation. Conclusions Effective and reproducible correction with low complication rates can be achieved with both fixation methods. Single-screw fixation is generally safe and sufficient for moderate cases, but dual-screw fixation remains mandatory when large osteotomy translation or poor bone quality is present.
9 January 2024 in Techniques in Foot & Ankle Surgery
Scarf calcaneal osteotomy is an extra-articular procedure to correct progressive collapsing foot deformity (PCFD). As an open approach may display wound healing problems, we herein report a novel method of percutaneously performed minimally invasive scarf calcaneal osteotomy. Twenty patients aged 56.75 ± 7.13 with grade 1AB of PCFD were included. A radiologic assessment was performed before the procedure and after 3 months. Clinical evaluation was done before the procedure, after 3 months, and after 12 months. The Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire and Functional Foot Index score improved from 77.63 ± 11.67 preoperatively to 33.29 ± 18.55 at the follow-up (P < 0.001) and from 69.26 ± 16.32 preoperatively to 32.00 ± 20.35 at the follow-up (P < 0.001), respectively. There was a statistically significant improvement in all radiologic measurements, namely, talonavicular coverage angle from 20.03 ± 5.51 to 14.18 ± 6.49 (P < 0.001), the distance between medial cuneiform and fifth metatarsal from 0.53 ± 3.31 to 6.95 ± 4.01 (P < 0.001), anteroposterior talo-first metatarsal angle from 22.13 ± 7.28 to 17.09 ± 6.87 (P < 0.005), Meary angle from 25.12 ± 2.73 to 15.17 ± 7.06 (P < 0.001), calcaneal inclination angle from 12.23 ± 4.01 to 16.82 ± 5.53 (P < 0.001), navicular height from 15.57 ± 4.10 to 20.57 ± 6.87 (P < 0.005), and tibio-calcaneal angle from −3.79 ± 5.15 to 6.71 ± 4.41 (P < 0.001). In experienced hands, minimally invasive scarf calcaneal osteotomy seems to be an effective and reproducible subtalar preserving surgical technique for PCFD cases with mild midfoot abduction severity. Level of Evidence: Diagnostic Level 4. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.