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Complex rigid foot deformity correction with hexapod external fixator system

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Abstract

Purpose

Complex rigid foot deformities include three-plane deformities and usually presents with poor soft tissue coverage. In the last decades, gradual correction with computer-assisted fixator became an appropriate option for the treatment rigid foot deformities. This study aims to report our experience about treatment of complex foot deformities using Smart Correction fixator system®.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 13 complex rigid foot deformities of ten consecutive patients treated with Smart Correction fixator system® from 2016 to 2020. Primary outcomes were classified as good, fair, and poor according to previously determined criteria. The outcomes were also assessed with The Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ). Non-parametric analysis (Wilcoxon test) for continuous variables and the Fisher’s exact test for categorical variables were used.

Results

Plantigrade foot was achieved in all patients after correction program. Supramalleolar osteotomy was applied in nine feet, midfoot osteotomy was applied in two feet, hindfoot osteotomy was required in one foot, and only soft tissue distraction performed in two feet. Two patients had recurrent deformity managed by further acute corrections. The mean MOXFQ scores improved from 72.7 preoperatively to 24.8 at last follow-up.

Conclusions

Present study shows that SCF the reliable option for the treatment of complex foot deformities, which also facilitates three-plane correction and concomitant lengthening with gradual soft tissue balance.

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Data availability

The data and materials that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author (S. B) upon reasonable request.

Code availability

Not applicable.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, TOBB Economy and Technology University, Ankara, Turkey

    Sancar Bakircioglu

  2. Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Giresun University, Giresun, Turkey

    Murat Danisman

  3. Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Sıhhiye, 06100, Ankara, Turkey

    Ozan Tuncay, Ulas Can Kolac, Muhammed Abdulkadir Bulut & Guney Yilmaz

Authors
  1. Sancar Bakircioglu
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  2. Murat Danisman
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  3. Ozan Tuncay
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  4. Ulas Can Kolac
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  5. Muhammed Abdulkadir Bulut
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  6. Guney Yilmaz
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Contributions

All authors contributed to the study conception and design. Surgical treatment of the patients was performed by Guney Yilmaz. Data collection and analysis were performed by Ozan Tuncay, Sancar Bakircioglu, Ulas Can Kolac, and Muhammed Abdulkadir Bulut. The first draft of the manuscript was written by Sancar Bakircioglu, and Murat Danısman; Guney Yilmaz participated in the reviewing and editing of the manuscript before submission.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Sancar Bakircioglu.

Ethics declarations

Ethical approval

This study was performed in line with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Ethical approval for this study was obtained from the Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine local ethics committee (GO 22/208, 01.03.2022).

Consent to participate

Patients gave written informed consent for participation in the study.

Consent for publication

The authors affirm that patients gave written informed consent for the publication of the study.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare no competing interests.

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Bakircioglu, S., Danisman, M., Tuncay, O. et al. Complex rigid foot deformity correction with hexapod external fixator system. International Orthopaedics (SICOT) 47, 2773–2780 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-023-05897-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-023-05897-5

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