Anterior Tibialis Transfer: A Surgical Solution for Residual Clubfoot
Clubfoot is one of the most common birth defects that affects the foot and ankle. It causes the foot to point downward and inward, making walking difficult and painful. Clubfoot can be treated with various methods, such as casting, bracing, or surgery. However, some children may still have residual deformity after treatment, such as forefoot supination (the foot pointing upward) and adduction (the foot pointing inward).
One of the surgical solutions for correcting residual clubfoot deformity is anterior tibialis transfer. This procedure involves moving the tendon of the anterior tibialis muscle, which normally helps lift the foot up and in, from its insertion on the inner side of the foot to a new location on the outer side of the foot. This can help balance the forces on the foot and prevent it from turning inward and upward.
In this blog post, you will learn:
- What are the benefits of anterior tibialis transfer for children with residual clubfoot deformity
- How is anterior tibialis transfer performed and what are the risks and complications
- What is the recovery process after anterior tibialis transfer and how long does it take
- How to contact us if you have any questions or concerns about anterior tibialis transfer or clubfoot treatment
If you are looking for a reliable and credible source of information about anterior tibialis transfer and clubfoot treatment, this blog post is for you. Read on to discover how anterior tibialis transfer can improve the appearance and function of your child's foot, reduce pain and discomfort, and allow your child to wear normal shoes and participate in physical activities.
What are the benefits of anterior tibialis transfer for children with residual clubfoot deformity?
Anterior tibialis transfer can improve the appearance and function of the foot in children with residual clubfoot deformity. Some of the benefits are:
- It can correct dynamic forefoot supination and adduction caused by muscle imbalance
- It can prevent further deformity and arthritis in the foot
- It can improve gait and mobility
- It can reduce pain and discomfort
- It can allow children to wear normal shoes and participate in physical activities
How is anterior tibialis transfer performed and what are the risks and complications?
Anterior tibialis transfer is usually performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. The surgeon makes three small incisions on the front of the ankle and identifies the anterior tibialis tendon. The tendon is then split into two halves, and one half is detached from its insertion on the medial cuneiform and first metatarsal bones. The detached half of the tendon is then passed through a small hole drilled in the fibula (the smaller bone of the lower leg) and attached to the base of the fifth metatarsal bone on the outer side of the foot. The other half of the tendon remains attached to its original insertion. The incisions are then closed with stitches.
The steps of anterior tibialis transfer are as follows:
1. The surgeon makes a small incision on the front of the ankle near where the anterior tibialis tendon inserts into the inner side of the foot.
2. The surgeon locates and exposes the anterior tibialis tendon, which runs along the front of the ankle.
3. The surgeon splits the tendon into two halves using a scalpel or scissors.
4. The surgeon detaches one half of the tendon from its insertion on the medial cuneiform and first metatarsal bones using a scalpel.
5. The surgeon drills a small hole in the fibula bone near where it meets with the ankle joint.
6. The surgeon passes one half of the tendon through this hole using a suture or a needle.
7. The surgeon attaches one half of the tendon to the base of the fifth metatarsal bone on the outer side of the foot using a suture or an anchor.
8. The surgeon leaves the other half of the tendon attached to its original insertion on the inner side of the foot.
9. The surgeon closes all three incisions with stitches.
As with any surgery, anterior tibialis transfer has some potential risks and complications, such as:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Nerve damage
- Loss of dorsiflexion (the ability to lift the foot up)
- Overcorrection or undercorrection of the deformity
- Failure of tendon healing or attachment
- Need for further surgery
What is the recovery process after anterior tibialis transfer and how long does it take?
After anterior tibialis transfer, the child will need to wear a cast or a splint for about six weeks to protect the tendon and allow it to heal. The child will also need to use crutches or a walker to avoid putting weight on the operated foot. Physical therapy will be started after the cast or splint is removed to help restore strength, range of motion, and function of the foot. The child will be able to resume normal activities gradually over several months.
How to contact us if you have any questions or concerns about anterior tibialis transfer or clubfoot treatment?
If you have any questions or concerns about anterior tibialis transfer or clubfoot treatment, please feel free to contact us at [774203774] or [info@hutaif-orthopedic.com]. We are happy to answer your queries and provide you with more information about our services. You can also book an appointment online by clicking here.
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