The plantaris tendon as a tendo-osseous graft. Part I. An anatomical study.
Comparative studies have shown that bone-bone union develops faster than a junction between grafted tendon and bone, and would thus allow earlier post-operative movement, limiting adhesion formation. In this context the nature of the insertion of the plantaris tendon into the calcaneus is reviewed as a possible source of composite bone-tendon grafts. It is proposed that the composite plantaris tendon with its bony block attachment is inserted through a hole in the distal phalanx of the finger creating an immediate firm distal fixation. From cadaver dissections it was found that in at least 80% of cases the insertion of the plantaris tendon was directly into the calcaneus, independent of the tendo Achilles, and was therefore suitable for use as the proposed tendon graft.
Schlicht
S M
SM
Department of Surgery, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.
Morrison
W A
WA
D016025:Bone Transplantation; D002111:Calcaneus / Q000637:transplantation*; D006365:Heel / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D006801:Humans; D013710:Tendons / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000637:transplantation