Medial Approach to the Severe Valgus Foot

Management of the end-stage adult acquired flatfoot has historically been accomplished with a traditional two-incision triple arthrodesis. Although this procedure is well accepted, complications such as lateral wound dehiscence, nonunion, undercorrection, and residual deformity have been reported. The medial approach double arthrodesis is presented to offer the foot and ankle surgeon an alternative option to the long-standing, severe valgus foot. It has been the author's experience that the medial approach has fewer wound complications, higher union rates, and shorter operative and recovery times. Additionally, it is thought to provide similar correction as the traditional triple arthrodesis while alleviating the need for grafting of the calcaneocuboid joint.