Evolution of Tendon Transfer to Allograft Reconstruction in Foot and Ankle Surgery

Over the past several years, tendon transfers have been used to help correct deformity in a variety of clinical situations. Commonly, transfers are often used for addressing diseased tendons, including the anterior tibialis tendon, the Achilles tendon, the peroneals or the posterior tibialis tendon. Although good clinical/functional outcomes have demonstrated after tendon transfers, there has been, increasing interest in using bulk allograft tendon tissue for reconstructing deficient soft tissues. Allograft tendons provide a more comparable size to the once healthy, native tendon and may potentially improve functional outcomes. In this over view, we will review the pathoanatomy of tendon transfers, common clinical applications of tendon transfers, perioperative considerations with regard to use of tendon allografts and tendon allograft techniques in foot and ankle surgery.

Duke Scholars

Author Jonathan Robert Manning Kaplan Orthopaedic Surgery