Tendon Transfers

The tendon transfer procedure, also known as the foot drop, is a surgical operation in which a tendon is transferred from one part of the foot to another section of the foot.  The aim of this procedure is to replicate the muscle function lost after a tendon fails.  Though there are several different types of tendon transfers, the most common one is referred to as the posterior tibial.

Meet with our ankle and foot specialists in La Quinta, CA and we will determine if you are a candidate for the tendon transfer.  This procedure involves the transfer of solely the posterior tibial tendon or several tendons, the anterior tibialis and the peroneus longus.  The transfer of each of these tendons is performed in what is referred to as the Bridle procedure.

Several incisions are made to transfer the tendon from one site to the next.  The initial incision involves the removal of the posterior tibial tendon from the insertion along the navicular bone on the foot’s inner side.  The next incision is performed above the ankle.  The tendon is moved into the incision in between the fibula and tibia bones at the front part of the ankle.  The final incision is made along the foot’s top section at the bone where the tendon will be transferred.  The tendon moves beneath the skin to the bone and connected by way of a tunnel.