Comparison of Tendons for Tendon Transfer in Treatment of Chronic Achilles Tendon Rupture
| Tendon | Strength relative to GSC | Advantage (In phase with GSC during normal gait) | Concern (Nerve or artery injury during harvest) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peroneus brevis | 18 times weaker | Shared role as plantar flexor of ankle relatively close proximity to Achilles tendon | Loss of eversion strength |
| Flexor digitorum longus | 27 times weaker | Shared role as plantar flexor of ankle relatively close proximity to Achilles tendon | Weakened flexion of toes |
| Flexor hallucis longus | 13 times weaker | Shared role as plantar flexor of ankle closest proximity to Achilles tendon | Loss of push-off strength during gait Clawed hallux deformity |
GSC: Gastrocnemius-soleus.
Data from Azar (In: Azar FM, Canale ST, Beaty JH, editors. Campbell’s operative orthopaedics. 13th ed. Philadelphia: Elsevier; 2013. p. 2405-56).37)
