Joint sparing correction of cavovarus feet in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease: what are the limits?

Abstract

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is an inherited neuropathy that results in lower limb muscle imbalance and a resultant cavovarus deformity of the foot. With recognized poor outcomes of triple arthrodeses in the young patient, joint sparing surgery is preferred, which takes the form of osteotomies, soft-tissue releases, and tendon transfers to achieve a plantigrade and balanced foot. Due to the variability in muscle involvement and the presence of both mobile and fixed deformities, surgery must be individualized to each patient.