Publication:

Correction of Sagittal Plane Deformity of the Distal Tibia

Distal tibia sagittal plane deformities are a frequent finding in tibial malunions (antecurvatum or recurvatum) or ankle posttraumatic arthritis (anterior or posterior ankle arthritis). They should be evaluated in all deformities using long leg and tibia radiographs. Measuring the anterior distal tibia angle is necessary to evaluate the deformity severity. To evaluate the magnitude of secondary talar anterior or posterior displacement, the tibial axis to talus ratio and/or the talar lateral process position relative to the tibia axis should be measured. Anterior closing or opening wedge osteotomies are the recommended treatment options for posterior ankle arthritis or anterior ankle arthritis, respectively.