A tendon transfer is when a tendon is repositioned from its original attachment to a new location within the foot or ankle. This procedure is performed to address various conditions that involve muscle imbalances, weakness, or dysfunction in the foot & ankle region. Tendon transfers are used to improve joint stability, restore proper biomechanics, & enhance overall function.
Here are some common reasons why foot & ankle tendon transfers are performed:
- Correcting Muscle Imbalances: Various foot & ankle conditions result from muscle imbalances, where certain muscles are overactive while others are weakened. Tendon transfers can help restore balance by repositioning healthy tendons to take over the function of a weakened or paralyzed muscle.
- Foot Drop: Foot drop is a condition where the ability to lift the front part of the foot is impaired, often due to nerve damage. Tendon transfers can help restore this ability by repositioning a functional tendon to take over the role of the damaged muscle.
- Achilles Tendon Rupture: In some cases of severe ruptures to the Achilles tendon, tendon transfers are used to reinforce the Achilles tendon or to provide additional strength to improve push-off functions.
- Flatfoot Correction: Tendon transfers can be part of surgical procedures to correct any flatfoot deformities by repositioning tendons to provide better arch support and enhance the function of the foot.
- Cavus Foot Correction: Tendon transfers are performed to balance the muscle forces and improve the alignment and function of the foot.
- Ankle Instability: Tendon transfers can be used to address chronic ankle instability by reinforcing the weak ligaments and stabilizing the joint of the ankle.
- Charcot Foot Reconstruction: Transferring tendons can offer support with the stabilization of the foot & improve the alignment.
- Tendon Deficiencies: Tendon transfers can provide functional replacements to restore lost movement & function.
- Nerve Palsy or Injury: In some cases where nerves are very damaged or even paralyzed, resulting in muscle weakness, tendon transfers can help restore the movement & the function by redirecting healthy tendons to compensate for the loss of muscle function.
