Surgical correction of cavus foot may promote quality of life in patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease: A retrospective study.

Abstract

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is a hereditary peripheral neuropathy leading to neuromuscular impairments, muscle atrophy, and functional limitations. Currently, no specific treatment exists to restore muscle strength in patients with CMT, and the disease can be severely disabling. Surgical correction of cavus foot has been suggested as a potential intervention to alleviate pain and improve gait in selected patients. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effects and analyze the subsequent improvement in quality of life. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 45 patients (57 feet) who underwent surgical correction of cavus foot due to CMT. Annual follow-up assessments involved clinical symptoms, and patient-reported outcomes, including the Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI) and the Short-Form 12 (SF-12). Radiological evaluation was performed using the Meary angle, calcaneal pitch angle, talocalcaneal angle, talo-first metatarsal angle, and calcaneal-fifth metatarsal angle. After 2 years of follow-up, most radiographic and symptomatic outcomes improved significantly. Functional scales showed a significant increase (P < .001) in median FADI (23 vs. 40) and physical component score of the SF-12 (26 vs. 41). Therefore, surgical correction of cavus foot should be considered an effective intervention for patients with CMT, leading to sustained improvements in function and quality of life. LEVEL OF CLINICAL EVIDENCE: 4.