Double tendon transfer for correction of drop-foot

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Reconstructive surgery
• Podiatric medicine

Background:

• Foot drop significantly impacts mobility, causing gait abnormalities and increasing fall risk.
• Existing treatments for foot drop often involve complex bone procedures or tendon transfers.
• Leprosy-endemic regions utilize specific surgical techniques for foot drop correction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a simple, effective, and long-lasting surgical technique for correcting foot drop.
• To present a double tendon transfer method suitable for widespread use, particularly in resource-limited settings.

Main Methods:

• A double tendon transfer procedure is performed through the interosseous membrane of the leg.
• The tibialis posterior and flexor digitorum longus tendons are rerouted and sutured.
• These tendons are attached to the tibialis anterior, extensor hallucis longus, and extensor digitorum longus tendons.

Main Results:

• The described technique provides long-lasting functional correction for foot drop.
• This surgical approach is effective and widely implemented in leprosy-endemic areas.
• The procedure aims to restore normal gait mechanics and improve patient mobility.

Conclusions:

• A double tendon transfer through the interosseous membrane is a reliable surgical option for foot drop.
• This technique offers a sustainable solution for improving quality of life in individuals with foot drop.
• The described method is particularly valuable for its efficacy and applicability in leprosy-affected populations.