Results in the treatment of paralytic calcaneus-valgus feet with the Westin technique

Between 1988 and 2003, 23 patients with paralytic calcaneus-valgus feet were submitted to the Westin procedure and 17 patients (25 feet) were re-evaluated. Nine patients were male and eight were female. The mean age at the surgical procedure was 8±5 years. The aetiology of paralysis was sequelae of poliomyelitis in 6 patients (8 feet) and of myelomeningocele in 11 patients (17 feet). The mean follow-up period was 6±6 years. The results were analysed clinically and radiographically considering the decrease of the retropulsion, the patient’s satisfaction, and the increase of the lateral tibiocalcaneal angle. Results were considered satisfactory when the patients showed a decrease of the retropulsion during gait, improvement of the gait pattern, and an increase of the tibiocalcaneal angle. As an overall result, 16 patients (94.2%) were satisfied and 1 patient (two feet) dissatisfied with the outcome. The increase of the tibiocalcaneal angle was significant for the myelomeningocele patients (P=0.001), but not for poliomyelitis (P=0.053). No statistical relation between the follow-up period and the increase of the tibiocalcaneal angle was found (r=0.04). The authors concluded that the Westin procedure is a good technique for the treatment of paralytic calcaneus valgus feet with myelomeningocele

Irreducible dislocation of the hip in cerebral palsy patients treated by Schanz proximal femoral valgus osteotomy

Palliative Schanz proximal femoral valgus osteotomy is considered a common option for treatment of irreducible hip dislocation in cerebral palsy. From 1992 to 2005, Schanz osteotomy was indicated on 55 occasions in 35 nonambulatory patients with the quadriplegic form of cerebral palsy aged 9–18. Postoperatively, the main emphasis focussed on clinical presentation, improvement of hip range of motion, and pain relief. X-rays were carried out at three, six, and 12 months postoperatively with subsequent average follow up 98 ± 4.5 months. In all patients, the range of hip abduction and flexion increased. In 54 (98.2%) cases painful symptoms significantly improved. One patient (1.8%) had a subsequent femoral head excision because of persistent hip pain. Transient hip pain persisted in four patients (7.3%). Schanz valgus osteotomy improves the hip range of motion, relieves pain, and facilitates care of the patient. Schanz femoral osteotomy is a less invasive method compared to proximal femoral excision and should preferably be used in older children with neurogenic hip dislocation in whom reconstructive surgery is not indicated