Split Tendon Transfer of the Posterior Tibialis for Spastic Equinovarus Foot Deformity: Does Tendon Routing Impact Post-Operative Ankle Kinematics?

Description

In this presentation, Frances Scheepers, an undergraduate researcher, discusses the findings of a study on the split-tendon transfer (SPOTT) procedure for correcting spastic equinovarus foot deformity, commonly seen in children with cerebral palsy. The research aims to examine whether different routing techniques of the posterior tibialis tendon influence post-operative ankle kinematics. The SPOTT procedure involves detaching part of the tibialis posterior tendon and rerouting it either posteriorly to the fibula or through the interosseous membrane to balance tendon pull at the ankle. The study compared outcomes in terms of ankle dorsiflexion and swing between two groups of patients who underwent these two routing techniques. Results indicate that both methods effectively correct equinus deformity, with no significant differences in maximum dorsiflexion outcomes yet highlighted the need for further research to ascertain the impact of concomitant procedures. The findings contribute to understanding optimal surgical approaches for treating this condition.

DOI: 10.1302/3114-220981

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