A clinical guideline for the conservative management of tibialis posterior tendon dysfunction

Early and appropriate conservative treatment is considered essential to prevent progression of tibialis posterior tendon dysfunction (TPTD), with its potential long term disabling consequences and the need for surgical intervention. However, there is no consensus in the literature regarding the treatment of the disorder. This investigation aimed at developing a local clinical guideline for the conservative management of TPTD by a consensus development group.

An action research methodology utilising the RAND modified Delphi approach was employed involving seven multidisciplinary consensus group participants. The guideline developed from this process was then sent for national evaluation via postal questionnaire.

Although a difference in opinion regarding certain aspects of the conservative management of TPTD was initially present, a local consensus was achieved following extensive discussion. 86% of survey respondents from other localities found the guideline useful but their comments, which were sometimes at odds with each other, revealed a lack of national consensus regarding the management of the condition.

This research project has provided empirical evidence that a local clinical guideline can be developed by a consensus group for the management of TPTD. However, the lack of national consensus regarding TPTD treatment found in this research study and as reflected in the published literature, would limit the transferability of this guideline to other localities. While, the guideline reported in this study could be used to inform the development of other national and international guidelines, different areas of expertise that emerged between professions highlighted the importance of employing a multidisciplinary group in the development of guidelines for the management of musculoskeletal conditions of the foot and ankle.