Functional outcome after the nonsurgical treatment for adolescent spasmodic valgus foot

Abstract

Background: Adolescent spasmodic valgus foot is usually associated with resistant pain and deformity. It shows controversy regarding its incidence, etiology, and treatment. Our study aimed to evaluate the functional outcome after the nonsurgical treatment for such condition. Methods: This study included 50 planovalgus feet secondary to peroneal or peroneo-extensor spasm in 33 adolescents with a mean age of 14 ± 2.8 years. The procedure included foot manipulation under general anesthesia, sinus tarsi injection with corticosteroids, and a walking cast in the neutral position. Patients were evaluated functionally (using the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS)) and radiologically before the procedure, after cast removal, and 3, 9, and 18 months later with special attention given for recurrence during the follow-up period with a mean duration of 22.5 ± 3.5 months. Results: Once general anesthesia had been conducted, the deformity was corrected without any manipulation, and full passive inversion could be easily obtained in 26 feet, the deformity was corrected only after manipulation, and full passive inversion had been obtained in 14 feet, while 10 feet remained stiff even after manipulation. The mean AOFAS score was significantly improved ( p < 0.001) from 40.9 ± 3.5 at presentation to 73.56 ± 5.2 at the last follow-up in which 12 feet was painless and freely mobile and 24 feet had partial relapse, while 14 feet had complete relapse. Conclusion: The nonsurgical treatment for adolescent spasmodic valgus foot could be a simple and effective treatment. Apart from limited complete recurrence, the overall functional outcome was satisfactory. Level of evidence: type IV case series.