Biomechanical Effects of Medializing Calcaneal Osteotomy on Bones and the Tissues Related to Adult-Acquired Flatfoot Deformity: A Computational Study

Abstract

Medializing calcaneal osteotomy (MCO) is a flatfoot treatment in stages IIa–IIb. It is true that structural correction is well known, but stress changes in foot tissues have not been sufficiently studied to date. Our objective was to evaluate the stress generated by MCO in both hindfoot and forefoot bones and in some soft tissues that support the arch. A finite element foot model was employed, simulating some situations related to flatfoot development. Results show a higher stress concentration around the osteotomy region when MCO is used in patients with plantar fascia weakness. Additionally, the stress increase found in lateral metatarsals would be the explanation for the long-term pain reported by patients.

Keywords

• finite elements
• flatfoot
• stress redistribution
• osteotomy
• pes planus