A new anchoring technique for tibialis anterior tendon transfer.

Abstract

Tibialis anterior tendon transfer was described as an effective method in the management of dynamic supination as well as prevention of clubfoot relapse in children. Different successful methods were described for anchoring the transferred tibialis anterior tendon; however, each of which has its own complications that were avoided by using this novel technique. This study included 26 feet in 18 patients, who underwent tibialis anterior tendon transfer as a part of management of their congenital clubfoot. The mean age was 3.6 years (ranging from 2.5 to 5 years), all patients were followed up for 6 to 30 months (mean = 14 months). The transferred tibialis anterior tendon was anchored in the third cuneiform using transfixing K wires. This novel technique resulted in successful and stable anchoring of the transferred tibialis anterior tendon. The transferred tendon was well palpated in all patients with active dorsiflexion, with no associated tendon rupture, anchoring problems, or wound complication. Our technique is secure, reliable, and economic with no special equipment needed. It could successfully avoid the plantar skin complications associated with pullout sutures and neurovascular injury.