Can Tho Transfer Technique: Extensor Hallucis Longus to Tibialis Anterior Tenodesis for Footdrop.

BACKGROUND: Footdrop, or the inability to actively dorsiflex the foot, may result from numerous pathologic conditions, including poliomyelitis and cerebral palsy. Although the gait of patients with footdrop can be improved by performing an extensor hallucis longus (EHL) to tibialis anterior (TA) tendon transfer, the success rate of this procedure is relatively low. METHODS: Seven paralytic patients with footdrop were surgically treated using a new buttonhole-type technique that involves passing a loop of the EHL through a TA split using umbilical tape and suturing at the four corners of the EHL attaching to the TA while the foot is dorsiflexed. RESULTS: Eight years after surgery, all three patients who were available for follow-up displayed active dorsiflexion, improved mobility, and a palpable TA-EHL tenodesis, with no cockup deformity. CONCLUSIONS: This new approach, which we term Can Tho transfer, improves the mechanical strength of TA-EHL tenodesis.

Flexor Digitorum Longus (FDL) or Flexor Hallucis Longus (FHL) Harvesting: Technical Tip and Case Studies.

BACKGROUND: Harvesting of the flexor digitorum longus (FDL) or the flexor hallucis longus (FHL) is a procedure used when tendon transfer is needed. It is commonly used in tibialis posterior reconstruction and Achilles tendon reconstruction. Harvesting of these tendons is sometimes difficult and time-consuming. It is important to obtain sufficient length to make a loop around the navicular bone or anchor it in the calcaneus. We describe a technique in which a loop is passed from proximal identification of the FDL or FHL through the tendon sheath, harvesting it from a minimal plantar approach. METHODS: After using this technique, we evaluated 10 consecutive patients for neurovascular damage. RESULTS: We found no postoperative neurovascular injuries. CONCLUSIONS: The technique described enables the surgeon to find the FDL/FHL tendon through the medial approach and obtain sufficient length for the procedure by cutting the distal portion of the tendon through an additional plantar incision. Our technical tip for passing the loop facilitates harvest of the tendon easily and safely using the plantar approach. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, case series.