Tendoscopy-Assisted Flexor Digitorum Longus Transfer and Spring Ligament Synthetic Suture Tape Reconstruction for...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Foot and ankle reconstruction
• Minimally invasive surgical techniques

Background:

• Progressive collapsing foot deformity (PCD) involves spring ligament weakening, leading to peritalar subluxation.
• Standard treatments include medializing calcaneal osteotomy and flexor digitorum longus tendon transfer for flexible PCD.
• Existing minimally invasive approaches may have limitations in correcting forefoot abduction and arch collapse.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a novel, completely minimally invasive technique for flat foot reconstruction.
• To evaluate the efficacy of combining tendoscopic-assisted flexor digitorum longus tendon transfer with spring ligament synthetic suture tape reconstruction.
• To assess the impact of this combined approach on radiographic parameters and forefoot lateralization.

Main Methods:

• A tendoscopic-assisted flexor digitorum longus tendon transfer was performed.
• Spring ligament reconstruction utilized a synthetic suture tape.
• Medializing calcaneal osteotomy was incorporated into the minimally invasive procedure.

Main Results:

• The technique offers a fully minimally invasive approach to PCD reconstruction.
• It provides increased resistance to forefoot lateralization compared to previous methods.
• The procedure demonstrated potential for improved and preserved radiographic parameters and patient outcomes.

Conclusions:

• This combined minimally invasive technique effectively addresses flexible progressive collapsing foot deformity.
• Spring ligament augmentation is crucial for enhancing correction and stability.
• The approach offers a promising alternative for flat foot reconstruction with improved outcomes.