Many authors consider the
Ilizarov method as the best choice for correction of complex multiplanar
foot deformities. Fifty-one patients, for a total of 55 feet, underwent V or Y
osteotomy (respectively 32 and 23), 12 were due to
congenital clubfoot outcomes, 11 were from post-traumatic pathologies, 9 from
hemimelia, 7 from Charcot-Marie-Tooth, 5 from
poliomyelitis, 3 from
spina bifida, 2 from
myopathy, 2 from poly-epiphyseal dysplasia, 1 from
achondroplasia, 1 from
arthrogryposis, 1 patient from Charcot's foot and 1
rheumatoid arthritis. All patients were contacted to undergo AOFAS and EQ-5D-5L questionnaire. The mean distraction time was 74.0 days (±25.3) and it was longer for V
osteotomy (63.1 ± 21.1 vs 81.8 ± 25.4 days for Y and V respectively, p = .006). The average fixation time was 97.9 days (± 61.2), 90 days in the Y and 103 days in the V
osteotomy groups. The mean preoperative foot length was longer in the group of Y
osteotomy patients (158.7 ± 21.3 mm vs 133.5 ± 21.6 mm, p < .001). The mean length postoperatively was substantially the same (Y group 164.0 mm vs V group 167.4 mm, p < .562). The V
osteotomy produces an elongation ratio of 440% with respect to that produced from the Y
osteotomy (ratio length/distraction V/Y 0.44/0.1), with only 19% more in the distraction days. (81.8 V group vs 63.1 Y group). While the V
osteotomy allows a lengthening of about 27%, the Y
osteotomy, despite having correction potential superimposable to the V
osteotomy, minimizes the elongation component.