Tendon transfers in cavovarus foot.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Foot and ankle reconstruction
• Musculoskeletal biomechanics

Background:

• Cavovarus foot presents with muscular imbalance, necessitating surgical intervention.
• Tendon transfers are a common method to restore function by redirecting deforming forces.
• Understanding muscle deficiencies is key to selecting appropriate tendon transfer techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the principles and application of tendon transfers in managing cavovarus foot deformities.
• To outline the recommended surgical techniques and postoperative care for tendon transfers.
• To specify contraindications for tendon transfers in this patient population.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on tendon transfers for cavovarus foot.
• Analysis of surgical principles and functional restoration goals.
• Discussion of postoperative management strategies.

Main Results:

• Tendon transfers are effective for addressing muscular imbalances in the cavovarus foot.
• Specific tendon transfer options exist depending on the muscle deficiency and desired function.
• Tendon transfers are not recommended for forefoot deformities in this context.

Conclusions:

• Successful tendon transfers require adherence to general surgical principles.
• Postoperative care involving a removable boot with early protected weight-bearing and motion is vital.
• The goal of surgery is a functioning tendon transfer, not a tenodesis (bony fusion).