Cavus, cavovarus, and calcaneocavus. An update.

Cavus, cavovarus, and calcaneocavus deformities are often related to neuromuscular disorders that result in intrinsic and/or extrinsic muscle imbalance in the foot. A careful search for intraspinal causes should be made, particularly in progressive cavus deformity in children. Plantar release is the most common procedure performed for correction of cavus feet and its variants. The choice among available surgical procedures is dictated by the age of the patient, the flexibility and cause of the deformity, an analysis of the deformity, and appropriate standing roentgenograms. Soft tissue procedures, including plantar fasciotomy and tendon transfers, are usually done in younger patients. Bony procedures, including calcaneal, midtarsal, and forefoot osteotomies, are performed in mature feet and are tailored to the apex of the deformity. Triple arthrodesis is a salvage operation for correcting cavus and its variants.