The adult cavus foot

Abstract

Cavovarus deformity can be classified by the severity of malalignment ranging from a subtle and flexible to a severe and fixed cavovarus deformity of the foot. In the mild cavovarus foot, careful clinical assessment is required to identify the deformity. Weight-bearing radiographs are necessary to indicate the apex of the deformity and quantify the correction required. Surgery is performed when conservative measures fail and various surgical procedures have been described, including a combination of soft-tissue releases, tendon transfers and osteotomies, all with the aim of achieving a plantigrade and balanced foot. Joint-sparing surgery is the best option in flexible cavovarus foot even in Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease (peroneal muscular atrophy). Arthrodesis is indicated in severe rigid cavus foot or in degenerative cases.