Outcomes of flexor digitorum longus (FDL) tendon transfer in the treatment of Achilles tendon disorders.

BACKGROUND

In patients with chronic Achilles tendon disorders, Achilles tendon debridement can be supplemented with a tendon transfer, with the flexor hallucis longus tendon (FHL) transfer representing the most common used technique. Our study describes clinical and functional results of patients treated with flexor digitorum longus (FDL) tendon transfer in the treatment of patients with chronic Achilles tendon disorders.

METHODS

Retrospective study of prospectively collected data of thirteen patients (15 feet) that underwent FDL tendon transfer as part of the treatment of chronic Achilles tendon disorders. Preoperative and postoperative assessment included visual analogue score (VAS) for pain, SF-36 survey and lower extremity functional scale (LEFS). The average follow-up was 26.4 (range, 14-56) months. Patients were also assessed for ability to perform single leg heel rise test, muscle power for plantar flexion of the lesser toes, surgical scar condition and associated complications.

RESULTS

At final follow-up, we found significant postoperative improvement in VAS score (6.6 ± 2.99 vs 1.06 ± 1.43; p < .0001), SF-36 physical component summary (PCS) (28.20 ± 10.71 vs 45.04 ± 11.19; p < .0001) and LEFS (36.13 ± 20.49 vs 58.73 ± 18.19; p < .0001). Twelve patients (92%) could perform a single leg heel rise test in the operated extremity, although there was significant difference when comparing operated and uninvolved sides (4.86 ± 3.36 cm vs 7.18 ± 3.40 cm; p = .0002). One patient reported weakness for plantar flexion of the lesser toes, without balance or gait disturbances. Two patients (2 feet, 13.3%) had superficial infections and one patient (one foot, 6.6%) needed operative debridement for a deep infection.

CONCLUSIONS

FDL tendon transfer represent an operative alternative in the treatment of chronic Achilles tendon disorders. Our study showed good clinical outcomes with low complications and donor site morbidity.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Observational study, case series - level IV.