Intermediate Term Follow-up of Calcaneal Osteotomy and Flexor Digitorum Longus Transfer for Treatment of Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction

Abstract

Twenty-three patients with stage II posterior tibial tendon dysfunction who had failed non-surgical therapy were treated with flexor digitorum longus transfer and calcaneal osteotomy. At latest follow-up averaging 35±7 months (range, 24 to 51 months), 22 patients (96%) were subjectively “better” or “much better.” No patient had difficulty with shoe wear; however, four patients (17%) required routine orthotic use consisting of a molded shoe insert. AOFAS scores were available on 21 patients and improved from a preoperative mean of 50±14 (range, 27 to 85) to a postoperative mean of 89±10 (range, 70 to 100). Our experience, at an intermediate date follow-up is that calcaneal osteotomy and flexor digitorum longus transfer is a safe and effective form of treatment for stage II posterior tibial tendon dysfunction.