Anatomical study of the plantaris tendon: reliability as a tendo-osseous graft.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to investigate the insertion of the plantaris tendon in terms of shape, length, width and size, to define if there is available bony insertion for future use as reconstructive procedure in secondary tendon graft in hand surgery.


METHODS
In 30 limbs, the plantaris tendon was anatomically dissected to investigate its bony attachments to the calcaneus.


RESULTS
The plantaris was present in 29 of 30 dissections and regularly inserted in the calcaneus.


CONCLUSIONS
The tendo-osseous plantaris graft is, according to this research, amenable to be used as a viable choice in reconstruction of secondary flexor tendon injuries related to its length shape and size and especially due to the bone stock adequate to strong phalanx fixation.
Dos Santos
Marcos Antonio
MA
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Hospital de Guarnição de Florianópolis, Rua Silva Jardim, 441, Centro-Florianópolis, Florianopolis, 88020-200, Brazil, ortomarcos@bol.com.br.
Bertelli
Jayme Augusto
JA
Kechele
Paulo Roberto
PR
Duarte
Hamilton
H
D016025:Bone Transplantation; D002102:Cadaver; D002111:Calcaneus / Q000637:transplantation*; D006365:Heel / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D006801:Humans; D013710:Tendons / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000637:transplantation