Tendon Transfers to Restore Ankle Dorsiflexion After Anterior Compartment Myonecrosis: A Case Report

JBJS Case Connect. 2018 Jan-Mar;8(1):e6. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.CC.17.00004.

Abstract

Case: A 47-year-old Caucasian woman spontaneously developed an isolated anterior compartment pressure of >100 mm Hg in the left leg. Despite fasciotomies, the musculature was nonviable and required debridement. Following Achilles tendon lengthening, a posterior tibial tendon (PTT) to anterior tibial tendon (ATT) transfer was supplemented with a flexor digitorum longus tendon transfer to the remaining PTT in order to prevent a flatfoot deformity while restoring active dorsiflexion.

Conclusion: Preservation of the tendinous portion of the ATT during debridement allowed for transfer of the PTT to the ATT using a modified Pulvertaft transfer. This technique allowed early ambulation and restoration of active dorsiflexion, obviating the ongoing use of an ankle-foot orthosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Ankle / physiopathology
  • Ankle / surgery*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscular Diseases / physiopathology
  • Muscular Diseases / surgery*
  • Necrosis / physiopathology
  • Necrosis / surgery
  • Tendon Transfer*
  • Tendons / transplantation*