The role of tibialis posterior transfer in correction of foot drop

Irreversible lesions of the peroneal nerve or the dorsiflexors muscles of the foot and ankle result in loss of foot dorsiflexion and eversion a condition known as foot drop . As a result the foot cannot be adequately lifted off the ground during swing phase of walking. An extra flexion of the hip and knee is thus required with ipsilateral elevation of the hip. Walking is facilitated with foot-ankle orthosis that prevents plantar flexion more than neutral . In time with the contribution of tibialis posterior tendon equinovarus deformity develops . The aim of treatment in foot drop is dorsiflexion of the foot and restoration of normal heel-toe gait. Tenodesis arthrodesis and tendon transfer are among surgical treatment options for foot drop . Anterior transfer of tibialis posterior tendon both serves to adequately restore lost tibialis anterior muscle function and to eliminate a potent deforming force on the medial aspect of the foot.