ABFAS Boards – Rearfoot and Forefoot Practice Test

A dorsiflexion osteotomy of the first ray is used when the cavus deformity is driven by the forefoot, specifically when the first ray is plantarflexed relative to the hindfoot. By dorsiflexing the first ray, you raise that portion of the forefoot, lowering the height of the medial column and rebalancing forefoot plantar pressures. This directly corrects forefoot-driven cavus and improves overall foot alignment.

If the deformity were rearfoot-driven, address would be more focused on hindfoot alignment (for example, a hindfoot or calcaneal osteotomy), not the first ray. Calcaneal varus involves the hindfoot alignment as well, and ankle arthritis is a joint issue requiring different management (such as ankle fusion or replacement).