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Tendon transfer in foot drop: a systematic review.
Stella Stevoska1, Lorenz Pisecky2, Christian Stadler2
1Department for Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Kepler University Hospital GmbH, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Krankenhausstrasse 9, 4020 Linz and Altenberger Strasse 69, 4040, Linz, Austria. stella.stevoska@kepleruniklinikum.at.
Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery
|September 15, 2021
Summary
Tendon transfer surgery effectively treats foot drop, improving patient mobility and satisfaction. The specific surgical technique used does not appear to impact the functional outcome.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Neurosurgery
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Foot drop significantly impairs walking, increasing fall risk.
- Tendon transfer, particularly of the tibialis posterior tendon, is a common secondary treatment for foot drop.
Purpose of the Study:
- Identify common tendon transfer techniques for foot drop.
- Analyze functional outcomes associated with these techniques.
- Determine if surgical technique influences outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of PubMed and MEDLINE (pre-January 2020) following PRISMA guidelines.
- Included studies focused on tendon transfer for foot drop, excluding case reports and reviews.
- Evaluated outcomes using Stanmore score, AOFAS, FAAM, AFO use, patient satisfaction, and active ankle dorsiflexion.
Main Results:
- 37 studies (42 cohorts) met inclusion criteria; tibialis posterior tendon transfer via interosseus membrane was frequent.
- Tendon-on-tendon fixation was common, with a trend towards tendon-to-bone fixation.
- Postoperative improvements observed in Stanmore scores and AOFAS, with decreased AFO use.
Conclusions:
- Tendon transfer surgery enhances mobility and self-independency, leading to patient satisfaction.
- The specific surgical technique did not demonstrably affect functional outcomes.
- Standardized outcome measures and prospective data collection are needed for further analysis.
