Radiographic Union and Complication Outcomes Following the Non-Lateralized Malerba Calcaneal Osteotomy for Rearfoot Varus Deformity Correction.

Abstract

Numerous calcaneal osteotomies exist for the correction of rearfoot varus; however, the preferred surgical option remains controversial. Limited data are available regarding radiographic union and complication rates associated with Malerba calcaneal osteotomy without lateralization of the calcaneal tuberosity. To report the incidence of union, complications, and revision surgeries associated with the Malerba calcaneal osteotomy performed without lateralization for the treatment of adults with rearfoot varus deformity. Observation, retrospective case series METHODS: A retrospective review of clinical charts of consecutive adult patients were performed from 1/2018 through 3/2024 at a single hospital in the Midwest region. Patient demographics, clinical variables, and postoperative variables (radiographic union, postoperative complications, the need for surgical reoperation, and revision surgery) were obtained. A total of 46 cases were included, with a mean follow-up of 14.7 months. Three fixation methods were used, including single screw (37 cases, 80%), two screws (2 cases, 4%), and staple alone (7 cases, 15%). The union rate was 100% across all fixation methods used in this study. Three patients developed postoperative complications resulted in an overall complication rate of 7% (3/46 cases) with one case each of hardware removal, wound dehiscence, and superficial infection. The Malerba calcaneal osteotomy performed without lateralization of the calcaneal tuberosity achieves a high union rate and a low complication profile across various fixation methods.