[Transfer of the posterior tibialis tendon to restore an active dorsiflexion of the foot]

Abstract

After lesions of the peroneal nerve or damage of the tibialis anterior muscle a lack of active dorsiflexion leads to a drop foot deformity. Ober (1933) described a transfer of the posterior tibialis tendon to the dorsum of the foot to restore active extension of the foot. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the results of this method and to compare our results with those in the literature.Between 1992 and 2004 we performed a posterior tibialis tendon transfer in 16 patients with an average age of 40 years. 10 patients suffered from complete peroneal nerve palsy, which was due to a traumatic lesion (n=8) or iatrogenic damage (n=2). 3 patients had an incomplete peroneal nerve palsy caused by iatrogenic lesion (n=2) and lumbar disc herniation (n=1). 3 patients demonstrated a malfunction of the anterior tibial muscle following a compartment syndrome. 14 patients were available for a clinical follow-up after an average of 64 months. Clinical assessment included the hindfoot, muscular strength, pain, limitation of function and subjective satisfaction. The clinical result was evaluated using the Stanmore score (0-100).8 patients were very satisfied and 2 were satisfied with their results, 4 patients were not satisfied. 11 patients had no pain. The active dorsal ankle extension averaged - 5.7° (10 to - 30°). The Stanmore score revealed an average of 62 points with an excellent result in 2, a good result in 5, a fair result in 2 and a poor result in 5 patients.Transfer of the posterior tibial muscle to restore active dorsiflexion of the foot is a therapeutic option. As it is known from the literature objective results were mostly fair, but there was a high degree of satisfaction among the patients.