Tendon balancing in pedal amputations.
Pedal amputations are necessary procedures performed by a foot and ankle surgeon that may lead to gross positional deformities of the foot. To achieve a plantigrade foot, proper balancing of the foot is required often through the use of tendon transfers and lengthening. This article describes the basic tendon transfers needed to achieve a successful outcome when performing various pedal amputations. A case is presented in which Achilles tendon lengthening was used to heal a forefoot ulcer. A full understanding of tendon function and transfer techniques is paramount for surgeons performing pedal amputations. By rebalancing the foot, patients are able to ambulate with custom shoes or bracing, and more proximal amputations, which can be physically and psychologically devastating, are prevented.
Podiatry Service, University Hospital-University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, 150 Bergen Street, Newark, NJ 07103, USA.
Greg D
GD
Clark
Eric
E
Lui
Keith D
KD
Cook
D000671:Amputation, Surgical; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005528:Foot / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D016268:Internal Fixators / Q000009:adverse effects; D016879:Salvage Therapy; D013709:Tendon Transfer / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D013710:Tendons / Q000601:surgery