Tendon Transfers and Reattachment Procedures

Understanding Tendon Transfers in the Foot and Ankle

Tendon transfers and reattachment techniques are essential in foot and ankle surgery, providing solutions for various mobility and functional issues. Surgeons utilize a range of methods and products to reattach tendons to bone, each with unique advantages.

Some common procedures that require tendon attachment include:

Haglund’s Deformity: This bony enlargement at the back of the heel can irritate and inflame the Achilles tendon. To remove the prominence, the surgeon may need to detach and then reattach the Achilles tendon to allow proper healing and restore function.

Kidner Procedure: This technique is used for patients with congenital conditions, such as a symptomatic accessory navicular. In this procedure, the accessory bone is removed, and the posterior tibial tendon is reattached to improve arch support and reduce pain.

Peroneus Brevis Transfer: This procedure addresses progressive collapsing foot deformity and ankle instability.  It involves transferring the peroneus longus or the flexor hallucis longus to the insertion point of the peroneus brevis.

Introducing the Tendon Anchor System

The BioPro Tendon Anchor System is a low-profile anchor and screw construct designed to provide 3x the strength of standard suture anchors.

The anchors are designed from titanium, a highly biocompatible material with a long history of safe and effective clinical use. Unlike traditional products that rely on suture tape (braided suture) to secure the tendon, the Tendon Anchor System uses specialized blunt teeth to grasp the tendon and hold it firmly in place while your body allows the tendon to regrow onto the bone. Since it sits over the tendon, not underneath, it can easily be removed in the future if necessary.