The role of tibialis posterior tendon transfer in foot drop by circumtibial route and evaluation of the results according to criteria

Background: The transfer of the tibialis posterior tendon to the anterior aspect of the ankle not only replaces the function of the paralyzed muscles, but also removes the deforming force on the medial aspect of the foot. This study was conducted to find the role of tibialis posterior tendon transfer in foot drop by circumtibial route and with evaluation of the results according to criteria.Methods: This study was conducted in MLB Medical College and Hospital, Jhansi. Patients of paralytic foot drop due to leprosy with a moderately strong tibialis posterior muscle were selected from the outpatient department of Orthopaedics and Leprosy reconstructive surgery units. After taking informed consent, detailed history was taken. Data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel and the difference was considered to be significant if ‘p’ value was <0.05.Results: Eleven patients were operated. Majority were males (82%). Eight patients (73%) had excellent and good results which were aged less than forty years. Two cases showed excellent results after corrective surgery that had deformities from 31 to 36 months before operation. Out of six patients who were taking antileprotic treatment, one (9.1%) showed excellent and three (27.3%) showed good results.Conclusions: Method of anterior transfer of tibialis posterior for correction of foot drop has given encouraging results in a fairly large percentage of cases. The greatest utility of such a transfer is that of allowing the freedom of normal mobility in comparison to bony stabilization. After correction of deformity and disability the patient’s mental health is improved.

Biomechanical Evaluation of Circumtibial and Transmembranous Routes for Posterior Tibial Tendon Transfer for Dropfoot

Background: Tibialis posterior tendon transfer is performed when loss of dorsiflexion has to be compensated. We evaluated the circumtibial (CT), above-retinaculum transmembranous (TMAR), and under-retinaculum transmembranous (TMUR) transfer gliding resistance and foot kinematics in a cadaveric foot model during ankle range of motion (ROM). Methods: Eight cadaveric foot-ankle distal tibia specimens were dissected free of soft tissues on the proximal end, applying an equivalent force to 50% of the stance phase to every tendon, except for the Achilles tendon. Dorsiflexion was tested with all of the tibialis posterior tendon transfer methods (CT, TMAR, and TMUR) using a tension tensile machine. A 10-repetition cycle of dorsiflexion and plantarflexion was performed for each transfer. Foot motion and the force needed to achieve dorsiflexion were recorded. Results: The CT transfer showed the highest gliding resistance ( P < .01). Regarding kinematics, all transfers decreased ankle ROM, with the CT transfer being the condition with less dorsiflexion compared with the control group (6.8 vs 15 degrees, P < .05). TMUR transfer did perform better than TMAR with regard to ankle dorsiflexion, but no difference was shown in gliding resistance. The CT produced a supination moment on the forefoot. Conclusion: The CT transfer had the highest tendon gliding resistance, achieved less dorsiflexion and had a supination moment. Clinical Relevance We suggest that the transmembranous tibialis posterior tendon transfer should be the transfer of choice. The potential bowstringing effect when performing a tibialis posterior tendon transfer subcutaneously (TMAR) could be avoided if the transfer is routed under the retinaculum, without significant compromise of the final function and even with a possible better ankle range of motion.

Functional Outcomes Following Anterior Transfer of the Tibialis Posterior Tendon for Foot Drop Secondary to Peroneal Nerve Palsy

Background: This retrospective comparative study reports the practical function in daily and sports activities after tibialis posterior tendon transfer for foot drop secondary to peroneal nerve palsy. Methods: Seventeen patients were followed for a minimum of 3 years after tibialis posterior tendon transfer for foot drop secondary to peroneal nerve palsy. Matched controls were used to evaluate the level of functional restoration. Functional evaluations included American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores, Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS), Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) scores, and isokinetic muscle strength test. Radiographic evaluation for the changes of postoperative foot alignment included Meary angle, calcaneal pitch angle, hindfoot alignment angle, and navicular height. Results: Mean AOFAS, FAOS, and FAAM scores significantly improved from 65.1 to 86.2, 55.6 to 87.8, and 45.7 to 84.4 points at final follow-up, respectively. However, all functional evaluation scores were significantly lower as compared to the control group ( P < .001). Mean peak torque (60 degrees/sec) of ankle dorsiflexors, plantarflexors, invertors, and evertors at final follow-up were 7.1 (deficit ratio of 65.4%), 39.2, 9.8, and 7.3 Nm, respectively. These muscle strengths were significantly lower compared to the control group ( P < .001). No significant differences in radiographic measurements were found, and no patients presented with a postoperative flat foot deformity. One patient (5.9%) needed an ankle-foot orthosis for occupational activity. Conclusions: Anterior transfer of the tibialis posterior tendon appears to be an effective surgical option for paralytic foot drop secondary to peroneal nerve palsy. Although restoration of dorsiflexion strength postoperatively was about 33% of the normal ankle, function in daily activities and gait ability were satisfactorily improved. In addition, tibialis posterior tendon transfer demonstrated no definitive radiographic or clinical progression to postoperative flat foot deformity at intermediate-term follow-up. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.

Tibialis Posterior Tendon Transfer in Post Injection Common Peroneal Nerve Palsy in a Paediatric Patient–A Case Report

Post injection foot drop is due to common peroneal nerve damage at site of injection (gluteal region) in which dorsiflexor of foot EHL, EDL and tibialis anterior are weakend or paralysed. It can be managed by reconstructive surgery; tibialis posterior tendon transfer to EHL, EDL and 2nd metatarsal. Here objective is rehabilitation of post injection common peroneal nerve palsy foot drop in a paeditaric patient. Our method and outcome measure as first rehabilitation programme for foot drop paediatric patient (common peroneal nerve palsy) thereafter reconstructive surgery of tibialis posterior transfer to EHL, EDL and 2nd metatarsal. Last we re-educate them to tibialis posterior contraction for dorsiflexion of foot. Our result was patient was able to walk similar as normal, able to elevate her toes and foot. Patient was happy and confident with her functional foot. But patient was advised to avoid heavy work, sprinting, and active aggressive game (like foot ball). Our conclusion is patient gets benefited by this procedure.