Complex
foot deformity can be described as a foot with multiplanar abnormalities with or without shortening of the foot. Conventional surgical treatment may not be able to correct these
deformities. In this study we evaluate the results of percutaneous V
osteotomy of the calcaneus with an Ilizarov
external fixator for treatment of complex
foot deformity. Twenty feet with a complex
deformity were treated by the
Ilizarov method in 15 patients. The aetiologic factors were neglected or relapsed
clubfoot (13 patients) and
poliomyelitis (2 patients). All patients underwent percutaneous V
osteotomy of the calcaneus and gradual correction of the
deformity using Ilizarov's method. The mean duration of fixator application was 9.5 months (range, 6-13 months). The mean follow-up period was 1.8 years (range, 1 to 3 years). At the time of fixator removal, a plantigrade foot was achieved in 18 cases; gait was improved in all patients. There was residual varus
deformity in two patients. A pin-tract
infection was observed in all patients. No recurrence of the
deformity occurred. The V
osteotomy offers the most options for correction of complex
foot deformities. Percutaneous technique is particularly useful for the complex
foot deformity that has poor skin coverage, with poor blood supply. Gradual correction with the
Ilizarov method yields good results for complex
foot deformities.