[Tibialis posterior tendon transfer for drop foot deformity]

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Neurosurgery
• Reconstructive surgery

Background:

• Drop foot deformity significantly impacts mobility and quality of life.
• Tibialis posterior tendon (TPT) transfer is a surgical option for restoring foot dorsiflexion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of tibialis posterior tendon (TPT) transfers in patients suffering from drop foot deformity.

Main Methods:

• Eight patients (2 females, 6 males; mean age 40) with drop foot underwent TPT transfer.
• Etiologies included traumatic peroneal nerve injuries (6) and upper-level nerve injuries (2).
• Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Stanmore evaluation scale with a mean follow-up of 39 months.

Main Results:

• The Stanmore scale indicated excellent results in 3 patients, good in 2, fair in 2, and poor in 1.
• Subjective patient reports showed 4 excellent, 3 good, and 1 poor outcome.
• Poor and fair outcomes were linked to severe polytrauma, sciatic nerve injury, deep infection, or aggravated paraparesis.

Conclusions:

• TPT transfer is a successful treatment for drop foot, including in ambulatory patients with paraparesis.
• Consideration of an additional tibialis anterior tendon transfer may enhance outcomes in select cases.