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Flexor digitorum longus tendon exposure for flatfoot reconstruction: A comparison of two methods in a cadaveric model
Michael J Oddy1, Mark J Flowers, Mark B Davies
1Sheffield Teaching Hospitals Foundation Trust, Northern General Hospital, Herries Road, Sheffield S5 7AU, UK.
Background:
A novel method for harvesting the flexor digitorum longus (FDL) tendon has been described via a plantar approach based on a surface coordinate. The aim of this investigation is to provide a comparison with the traditional medial midfoot dissection for tendon harvest.
Methods:
The FDL tendon was exposed in 10 cadaveric feet via a limited plantar approach and also medially as far as could be accessed via the knot of Henry. The FDL was marked with a metal clip in each approach. The lengths of the skin incisions were recorded and the distance between the two markers was measured.
Results:
The mean additional length of tendon accessed via the plantar approach was 22.9 mm with a mean reduction in skin incision length of 15.6 mm.
Conclusion:
Using the plantar exposure, a longer length of tendon can be obtained through a smaller skin incision which has been quantified here.
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