Posterior Tibial Tendon Insufficiency Research Articles

Neovascularity in Chronic Posterior Tibial Tendon Insufficiency

Insufficient posterior tibial tendons in 28 specimens from patients with clinical Stage II or III disease were examined to clarify the etiology of adult-acquired flatfoot deformity. Hematoxylin and eosin and Masson trichrome-stained sections of formalin-fixed tissue were viewed in plain and polarized light. We performed a qualitative analysis for abnormalities in collagen orientation, degree of vascularization, tenocyte cellularity, mucinous change, and chondroid metaplasia. Tendons were divided into three zones: tenosynovial lining cell layer, subtenosynovial lining cell layer, and tendon proper. All tendons showed neovascular infiltration causing collagen fibril disruption; 50% of specimens had diffuse involvement. Increased mucin content and chondroid metaplasia occurred in 28% and 36% of specimens, respectively. The tenosynovial lining cell layer showed hyperplasia in 28% of specimens. The subtenosynovial lining cell layer showed thickening and neovascularization in 79% of specimens, which appeared to be the source for the diffuse neovascular infiltrative process. There is little histopathologic evidence to support an inflammatory etiology to the posterior tibial tendons in acquired-adult flatfoot deformity. Neoangiogenesis, the prominent histologic finding, is consistent with an obscure insult. We postulate that overuse, tension, or stretching may activate the tenosynovial lining cells and incite angiogenesis.

Subtalar Arthroereisis as Adjunct Treatment for Type II Posterior Tibial Tendon Deficiency

ABSTRACTType II posterior tibial tendon deficiency (PTTD) represents a wide spectrum of disease and may be treated with a variety of corrective surgical procedures. Recent reports suggest that treatment may vary based on severity of flexible flatfoot deformity. Mild flexible flatfoot may be correcte

Leg-Length Discrepancy From Posterior Tibial Tendon Insufficiency One Year After Total Hip Arthroplasty

Leg-Length Discrepancy From Posterior Tibial Tendon Insufficiency One Year After Total Hip Arthroplasty

Finite Element and Cadaveric Simulations of theMuscular Dysfunction of Weightbearing Foot

The tibialis posterior is a strong invertor and a weak plantarflexor of the foot which supports the longitudinal arch of the foot and creates a rigid lever for the foot to facilitate propulsion. Inflammation and dysfunction of the posterior tibial tendon is a common pathological condition of foot which is painful and disabling. Untreated posterior tibial tendon insufficiency will lead to severe inflammation and dysfunction of the tendon and flattening of the foot arch. In this study, a three-dimensional finite element model of the human foot and ankle, incorporating geometrical and material nonlinearity was employed to investigate the load distribution and spatial motion of the ankle-foot structures during simulated midstance. Cadaveric foot simulations were done to validate the finite element predictions in terms of strains of the plantar fascia, and major joint movements. Unloading the posterior tibial tendon was found to increase the arch deformations and strains of the plantar ligaments especially the...

The Planovalgus Foot: A Harbinger of Failure of Posterior Cruciate-Retaining Total Knee Replacement

Meding, John B. MD; Keating, E. Michael MD; Ritter, Merrill A. MD; Faris, Philip M. MD; Berend, Michael E. MD; Malinzak, Robert A. MD Author Information

Posterior Tibial Tendon Insufficiency: Which Ligaments are Involved?

The pathology manifested in posterior tibial tendon insufficiency (PTTI) is not limited to the posterior tibial tendon. The association of ligament failure with deformity has been discussed in numerous publications, but extensive documentation of the structures involved has not been performed. The purpose of this observational study was to identify the pattern of ligament involvement using standardized, high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a series of 31 consecutive patients diagnosed with PTTI compared to an age matched control group without PTTI. The structures evaluated by MRI were the posterior tibial tendon, superomedial and inferomedial components of the spring ligament complex, talocalcaneal interosseous ligament, long and short plantar ligaments, plantar fascia, deltoid ligament, plantar naviculocuneiform ligament, and tarsometatarsal ligaments. Structural derangement was graded on a five-part scale (0 to IV) with level 0 being normal and level IV indicating a tear of more than 50% of the cross-sectional area of the ligament. Standard flatfoot measurements taken from preoperative plain standing radiographs were correlated with the MRI grading system. Statistically significant differences in frequency of pathology in the PTTI group and controls were found for the superomedial calcaneonavicular ligament (p < 0.0001), inferomedial calcaneonavicular ligament (p < 0.0001), interosseous ligament (p = 0.0009), anterior component of the superficial deltoid (p < 0.0001), plantar metatarsal ligaments (p = 0.0002) and plantar naviculocuneiform ligament (p = 0.0006). The ligaments with the most severe involvement were the spring ligament complex (superomedial and inferomedial calcaneonavicular ligaments) and the talocalcaneal interosseous ligament. Ligament involvement is extensive in PTTI, and the spring ligament complex is the most frequently affected. Because ligament pathology in PTTI is nearly as common as posterior tibial tendinopathy, treatment should seek to protect or prevent progressive failure of these ligaments.

The Effects of a Medializing Calcaneal Osteotomy With and Without Superior Translation On Achilles Tendon Elongation and Plantar Foot Pressures

The medial calcaneal osteotomy (MCO) is a frequently used corrective procedure for posterior tibial tendon (PTT) insufficiency; however, patients often complain of lateral foot pain postoperatively. Published findings have documented the usefulness of MCO in off-loading the plantar surface of the first and second metatarsal heads but with a concomitant increase in peak pressure over the lateral forefoot and heel. Achilles tendon elongation revealed a trend toward shortening of the ventromedial aspect of the tendon. It was then hypothesized that translating the osteotomized posterior aspect of the calcaneus medially and superiorly would reduce lateral forefoot pressure and decrease the amount of lengthening of the Achilles tendon while continuing to relieve medial forefoot pressure. Twenty-eight fresh-frozen cadaver legs were axially loaded on a load-frame device to 100 lbs to assess the effects of a 1-cm MCO in conjunction with either 0.5-cm or 1-cm superior translation on plantar foot pressures and Achilles tendon elongation. The 0.5-cm superior translation resulted in a greater off-loading of the first and second metatarsals than the MCO alone with a trend toward decreased pressures in the lateral forefoot. The 1-cm superior translation continued to unload the first and second metatarsals; however, lateral forefoot and midfoot pressures were increased. Achilles tendon lengthening remained unchanged in the cadaver foot model. Our findings suggest that the addition of a 0.5-cm superior translation to the traditional 1-cm MCO should allow some degree of off-loading of the medial forefoot without increasing lateral forefoot or heel pressures.

Plantarflexion opening wedge medial cuneiform osteotomy for correction of fixed forefoot varus associated with flatfoot deformity.

Flatfoot presents as a wide spectrum of foot deformities that include varying degrees of hindfoot valgus, forefoot abduction, and forefoot varus. Medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy, lateral column lengthening, and subtalar fusion can correct heel valgus, but may not adequately correct the fixed forefoot varus component. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of plantarflexion opening wedge medial cuneiform (Cotton) osteotomy in the correction of forefoot varus. Sixteen feet (15 patients) had plantarflexion opening wedge medial cuneiform osteotomies to correct forefoot varus associated with flatfoot deformities from several etiologies, including congenital flatfoot (six feet, average age 37 years), tarsal coalition (five feet, average age 15 years), overcorrected clubfoot deformity (two feet, ages 17 years and 18 years), skewfoot (one foot, age 15 years), chronic posterior tibial tendon insufficiency (one foot, 41 years), and rheumatoid arthritis (one foot, age 56 years). Standing radiographs showed an average improvement in the anterior-posterior talo-first metatarsal angle of 7 degrees (9 degrees preoperative, 2 degrees postoperative). The talonavicular coverage angle improved an average of 15 degrees (20 degrees preoperative, 5 degrees postoperative). The lateral talo-first metatarsal angle improved an average of 14 degrees (-13 degrees preoperative, 1 degree postoperative). Correcting for radiographic magnification, the distance from the mid-medial cuneiform to the floor on the lateral radiograph averaged 40 mm preoperatively and 47 mm postoperatively (average improvement 7 mm). All patients at followup described mild to no pain with ambulation. There were no nonunions or malunions. Opening wedge medial cuneiform osteotomy is an important adjunctive procedure to correct the forefoot varus component of a flatfoot deformity. Advantages of this technique in comparison to first tarsometatarsal arthrodesis include predictable union, preservation of first ray mobility, and the ability to easily vary the amount of correction. Because of the variety of hindfoot procedures done in these patients, the degree of hindfoot correction contributed by the cuneiform osteotomy alone could not be determined. We have had excellent results without major complications using this technique.

Treatment of stage II posterior tibial tendon deficiency with flexor digitorum longus tendon transfer and calcaneal osteotomy.

To assess the efficacy of surgical correction of stage II tibial tendon deficiency with medial translational calcaneus osteotomy and flexor digitorum longus tendon transfer to the navicular, the authors retrospectively reviewed results of treatment of stage II posterior tibial tendon deficiency in 129 patients for whom surgery was performed between 1990 and 1997. The indication for surgery included tendon weakness, flexible deformity, and foot pain refractory to nonsurgical treatment. All patients had a painful flexible flatfoot without fixed forefoot supination deformity (stage II). A medial translational osteotomy of the calcaneus and transfer of the flexor digitorum longus tendon into the navicular were done. The patients were examined, radiographs were obtained, and isokinetic evaluation of both feet was performed at a mean of 5.2 years postoperatively. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Hindfoot Scale and Short Form Health Surgery (SF-36) were used to evaluate patients postoperatively. The mean AOFAS score at follow-up was 79 points (range, 54-93). There were seven significant complications in six patients. Isokinetic inversion and plantarflexion power and strength were symmetric with the contralateral limb in 95 patients, mildly weak in 18 patients, and moderately weak in eight patients. Subtalar joint motion was normal in 56 (44%), slightly decreased in 66 (51%), and moderately decreased in seven patients (5%). Correction was significant (p < .05) in all four radiographic parameters evaluated. Patients were entirely satisfied (118 patients), partially satisfied (seven patients), or dissatisfied (four patients). Further, 125 (97%) experienced pain relief, 121 (94%) showed improvement of function, 112 (87%) experienced improvement in the arch of the foot, and 108 (84%) were able to wear shoes comfortably without shoe modifications or orthotic arch support. The surgical correction of stage II posterior tibial tendon deficiency with medial translational calcaneus osteotomy and flexor digitorum longus tendon transfer to the navicular yielded excellent results with minimal complications and a high patient satisfaction rate.

Surgical Treatment of Grade III Posterior Tibial Tendon Insufficiency: Single and Double Arthrodesis

Grade III posterior tibial tendon insufficiency is a debilitating condition. When conservative measures are unsuccessful, the goal of surgical treatment of is to establish a stable, plantigrade foot and to minimize pain. The gold standard is the triple arthrodesis. However, in selected patients, limited arthrodesis, that is, isolated talonavicular arthrodesis or talonavicular arthrodesis, combined with calcaneocuboid arthrodesis may be considered. The subtalar joint may be preserved in the absence of degenerative changes and significant deformity of the hindfoot. Limited arthrodesis is indicated in cases of rigid or painful acquired flatfoot deformity in which pain and degenerative changes are limited to the transverse tarsal joints. The patient's lifestyle, physical demands, and degree of deformity must be considered in individualizing treatment.

The effect of orthotic treatment of posterior tibial tendon insufficiency on pain and disability

Posterior Tibial Tendon Insufficiency (PTTI) is the major reason for acquired flat-foot. The purpose of this study, which was planned as a single-group pre- and post-intervention repeated measures design, was to investigate whether orthotic intervention is effective in treating pain caused by PPTI. Ten males and 15 females, whose mean age was 30.66 ± 12.67 years, completed the pain and disability subscales of the foot function index at their first visit and after 6 weeks of orthotic wear. There was a 47.64% decrease in pain and a 53.07% decrease in disability levels, and a high correlation between pain and disability subscales. The results of our study imply that orthotic management of PTTI is effective in alleviating pain and the amount of difficulty expressed by the patient.

Interference screw fixation of tendontransfers in the foot and ankle.

Tendon transfers pptay an important role in reconstructive foot and ankle surgery. Multiple methods for fixation of tendon to bone are used including suture of tendon to periosteum, suture into bone troughs, suture anchors, and passage through bone tunnels. With the increasing populatity of hamstring tendon anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions has come new fixation technology. Soft-tissue interference screws have been introduced that allow fixation of tendons into bone tunnels without the need for bone blocks.' Bioabsorbable versions of these screws have been shown to have equivalent or areater initial fixation than their titanium count em art^.^,^ We have recently begun using soft-tissue inierference screw fixation for tendon transfer in the foot. Our initial biomechanical studies in a foot and ankle model suggest its efficacy. Our originaf indication for use of an interference screw was graft length limitation. As part of our reconstruction for posterior tibial tendon insufficiency, we commonly transfer the flexor digitorum longus through a bone tunnef in the navicular, and suture the tendon back to itself. fn a case where sufficient length was not available, rather than rely on the tendon sewn to periosteum, we achieved fixation with a biodegradable interference screw. Since that time, we have confirmed the strength of this fixation method with a biomechanicai study? Several additional tendon transfers have been fixed with this technique without complication. Transfer of the posterior tibial tendon through the interosseus membrane for drop foot and split anterior tibial tendon transfer are also potential indications for interference screw fixation of the tendon transfer in the bony tunnef, Commonly, fixation for these transfers involves the use of felt and a button on the plantar aspect of the foot.5 The tension required can result in

Anatomic study of the medial neurovascular structures in relation to calcaneal osteotomy.

Medial displacement osteotomy of the calcaneous is commonly performed for stage II posterior tibial tendon insufficiency in an effort to improve the valgus deformity of the hindfoot. We performed an anatomic study examining the medial neurovascular anatomy and its relation to the osteotomy in an attempt to determine which structures may be at risk during the procedure. Calcaneal osteotomies were performed through a lateral approach on 22 fresh-frozen cadaver below-knee specimens. Dissection was then performed medially to identify the Medial Plantar Nerve (MPN), the Lateral Plantar Nerve (LPN), the Posterior Tibial Artery (PTA), and their respective branches. Measurements determined either 1) where the structure crossed the osteotomy or 2) if the structure did not cross, the closest perpendicular distance from the osteotomy and at which point along its length this occurred. Perpendicular distances were recorded in millimeters and position along the osteotomy as a percentage of the total length from the posterosuperior aspect. An average of four neurovascular structures crossed each osteotomy site (range 2 to 6), most of which were branches of the LPN or the PTA. The MPN did not cross in any of the specimens studied, the LPN crossed in one specimen, and the PTA crossed in two specimens. The MPN distributed no crossing branches. The calcaneal sensory branch of the LPN was identified and crossed in 86% of the cadavers at 19% (+/- 15%) along the osteotomy length. A more distal second branch of the LPN (Baxter's nerve) was identified and crossed in 95% of the specimens at 61% (+/ 20%) along the osteotomy length. A third crossing branch existed in one specimen. Each PTA distributed from zero to three branches which variably crossed the osteotomy at a point from 2% to 100% along its length. The PTA bifurcated in 77% of the specimens at 49% (+/- 9%) along the osteotomy length. A consistent finding in every specimen was the presence of two veins accompanying the PTA with one on either side. A number of medial neurovascular structures may be at risk when perfoming a calcaneal osteotomy through a lateral approach. A minimum of two structures crossed the osteotomy site at variable positions in this study, although most of these structures represented branches off of the LPN or the PTA, with the LPN and the PTA themselves crossing only infrequently. The authors recommend that the completion of the osteotomy through the medial calcaneal cortex be performed in a carefully controlled manner to reduce the risk of post-operative complications including pain, numbness, and hematoma formation.

Intermediate follow-up on the double osteotomy and tendon transfer procedure for stage II posterior tibial tendon insufficiency.

26 patients with 28 pes planovalgus feet secondary to Johnson stage 2 posterior tibial tendon insufficiency were treated with flexor digitorum longus tendon transfer, lateral column lengthening, medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy, and heel cord lengthening. The mean patient age at surgery was 48.5 years. The AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scale was applied postoperatively to assess clinical outcome. Preoperative and postoperative standing radiographs of the foot and ankle were analyzed to determine radiographic correction of the pes planovalgus deformities. The mean follow-up to date is 5 years. The mean ankle-hindfoot score was 90 postoperatively. The medial cuneiform to fifth metatarsal distance improved from -0.2 mm preoperatively to 7.6 mm postoperatively. Similarly, the talonavicular distance improved from 19.4 mm preoperatively to 10.9 postoperatively. There were no nonunions. Four feet (14%) displayed radiographic signs of calcaneocuboid arthritis at follow-up. Only one was symptomatic requiring calcaneocuboid joint fusion. The double osteotomy technique provides symptomatic relief and lasting correction of the pes planovalgus deformity associated with stage 2 posterior tibial tendon insufficiency at intermediate follow-up. It has a high patient satisfaction based on the AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scale and radiographic measurements demonstrate maintenance of correction of the adult acquired flatfoot.

The Double Osteotomy and Tendon Transfer Procedure for Stage II Posterior Tibial Tendon Insufficiency

Summary: The treatment of the acquired pes planovalgus foot deformity that occurs in Johnson stage 2 posterior tibial tendon insufficiency remains controversial. Because the deformities remain flexible in stage 2, bony osteotomies are thought to be preferable to fusion operations. It is our contention that operative intervention should address all components of the pes planovalgus deformity that exists in stage 2 disease. To accomplish this task, we combined a lateral column lengthening with a medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy as a double osteotomy technique. The double osteotomy and tendon transfer procedure consists of a flexor digitorum longus to medial cuneiform tendon transfer, lateral column lengthening with iliac crest bone grafting, medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy, and percutaneous heel cord lengthening. Use of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot Scale shows significant improvement in postoperative scores and correlates with a high patient satisfaction rate. Radiographic measurements display significant and lasting correction of adult-acquired flatfoot. This combination of surgical procedures provides both lasting correction of the pes planovalgus deformity associated with stage 2 posterior tibial tendon insufficiency and symptomatic pain relief at intermediate follow-up.

Subtalar arthrodesis with flexor digitorum longus transfer and spring ligament repair for treatment of posterior tibial tendon insufficiency.

The surgical treatment of flexible pes planovalgus deformities resulting from Stage 2 posterior tibial tendon insufficiency is controversial and many techniques have been proposed. We retrospectively reviewed the results of subtalar arthrodesis combined with spring ligament repair/reefing and flexor digitorum longus (FDL) transfer to the navicular. There were sixteen patients (seventeen feet) with an average follow-up of 27 months (9-52). All deformities were passively correctable. The average age was 56 yrs (39-78). All patients had failed conservative management, 88% had previously been treated with orthotics, and 53% had lateral pain from subfibular impingement. Two patients were noted to have degenerative changes of the subtalar joint. Successful subtalar joint fusion occurred in all patients with an average time to radiographic union of 10.1 weeks (5-24). The average AOFAS hindfoot score and Maryland foot score postoperatively was 82 and 86 respectively. Standing radiographic analysis demonstrated an average improvement in the AP talo-1st metatarsal angle of 6 degrees (24 degrees preoperative, 18 degrees postoperative). The talonavicular coverage angle improved an average of 17 degrees (34 degrees preoperative, 17 degrees postoperative). The lateral talo-1st metatarsal angle improved an average of 10 degrees (18 degrees preoperative, 8 degrees postoperative). The lateral talocalcaneal angle decreased an average of 21o (55 degrees preoperative, 34 degrees postoperative). The distance of the medial cuneiform to the floor on the lateral radiograph averaged 12mm preoperatively and 18mm postoperatively (avg. improvement 6mm). The combination of the flexor digitorum longus tendon transfer and spring ligament repair with subtalar arthrodesis is an effective and reliable procedure which provides excellent correction of hindfoot valgus as well as forefoot abduction and restoration of the height of the longitudinal arch. These results compare favorably with flexor transfer combined with either calcaneal osteotomy or lateral column lengthening.

Lateral column lenghtening by calcaneal osteotomy combined with soft tissue reconstruction for treatment of severe posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. Technique and preliminary results.

The purpose of this paper is to present principle and technique of proximal lateral column lengthening by calcaneal osteotomy and to critically analyze our preliminary results. 16 patients (7 female, 9 male; average age 52.3 years [24-72 years]) were treated for stage II to III posterior tibial tendon insufficiency by calcaneal osteotomy and medial soft tissue reconstruction (tendon reconstruction, 15; tendon transfer, 8; deltoid ligament repair, 10). When the AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot Rating Scale was applied, these patients were shown to have significantly increased their scores from an average preoperative value of 49.1 to a mean postoperative value of 91.1 after a mean follow-up of 24.6 months. In all but one case no loss of achieved foot correction was noted. In one case, a fusion of the calcaneocuboid joint had to be performed after 5 months due to painful degenerative joint disease. At follow-up, all patients had satisfactory restoration of their medial longitudinal arch, reduction of forefoot abduction, and restored arch height. All patients were able to fully weight-bear the operated foot, and all patients were satisfied with the achieved result. In the pes planovalgus deformity occurring in stage II to III (as significant degenerative joint disease has not already occurred), osteotomies appear to have a significant role in the operative management and to function by restoring more normal biomechanics, thus allowing tendon reconstruction and tendon transfers to return to successfull function.

Role of the peroneal tendons in the production of the deformed foot with posterior tibial tendon deficiency.

Ten patients were identified with traumatic, complete common peroneal nerve palsy, with no previous foot or ankle surgery or trauma distal to the knee, who had undergone anterior transfer of the posterior tibial tendon to the midfoot. Six of these patients had a transfer to the midfoot and four had a Bridle procedure with tenodesis of half of the posterior tibial tendon to the peroneus longus tendon. Average follow-up was 74.9 months (range, 18-351 months). All patients' feet were compared assessing residual muscle strength, the longitudinal arch, and motion at the ankle, subtalar, and Chopart's joint. Weightbearing lateral X-rays and Harris mat studies were done on both feet. In no case was any valgus hindfoot deformity associated with posterior tibial tendon rupture found. It seems that the pathologic condition associated with a posterior tibial tendon deficient foot will not manifest itself if peroneus brevis function is absent.

Posterior tibial tendon insufficiency: diagnosis and treatment.

Posterior tibial tendon insufficiency is the most common cause of acquired adult flatfoot deformity. Although the exact etiology of the disorder is still unknown, the condition has been classified, on the basis of clinical and radiographic findings, into four stages. In stage I, there is no notable clinical deformity; patients usually present with pain along the course of the tendon and evidence of local inflammatory changes. Stage II is characterized by a dynamic deformity of the hindfoot. Stage III involves a fixed deformity of the hindfoot and typically also a fixed forefoot supination deformity but no obvious evidence of ankle abnormality. In stage IV, ankle involvement is secondary to long-standing fixed hindfoot deformities. The initial treatment of patients in any stage should be nonoperative, with immobilization, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, and perhaps an orthotic device. Corticosteroid injections continue to be controversial. When nonoperative management fails, the treatment options consist of soft-tissue procedures alone or in combination with osteotomy or arthrodesis. Stage I insufficiency is generally treated with debridement and tenosynovectomy. Soft-tissue transfer does not appear to correct the underlying deformity in stage II disease; however, there is growing interest in joint-sparing operations that attempt to compensate for the underlying deformities with osteotomies or arthrodeses, supplemented with dynamic transfers to replace the insufficient posterior tibial tendon. Subtalar, double, or triple arthrodesis is the procedure of choice for stage III disease, frequently in conjunction with heel-cord lengthening. Tibiocalcaneal arthrodesis or pantalar arthrodesis is most commonly used to treat stage IV disease.

Effect of calcaneal osteotomy and lateral column lengthening on the plantar fascia: a biomechanical investigation.

Medial calcaneal displacement osteotomy or lateral column lengthening fusion has been advocated to augment tendon transfer in planovalgus foot deformity associated with chronic posterior tibial tendon insufficiency. It is hypothesized that plantar fascia tightening occurs with these procedures, helping to restore a more normal longitudinal arch. To investigate this further, nine fresh-frozen cadaver below-knee specimens were used. A flatfoot model was created by sectioning of the posterior tibial tendon, spring ligament, talonavicular capsule, and deltoid ligament. A liquid-metal strain gauge, calibrated to measure fractional changes in length, was sutured proximally to the origin and distally into the thickest portion of the medial band of the plantar fascia. Specimens were axially loaded to 400 N and plantar fascia strain was measured. Fractional length changes in the plantar fascia were then measured after a medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy and after a lateral column lengthening through the calcaneocuboid joint. Tightening of the plantar fascia did not occur with either medial calcaneal displacement or lateral column lengthening. The plantar fascia became significantly less taut with both medial displacement and lateral column lengthening. We found that lateral column lengthening produced significantly looser plantar fascia than did medial displacement of the calcaneal tuberosity.