Interosseous membrane window size for tibialis posterior tendon transfer—Geometrical and MRI analysis

Pablo Wagner*, Cristian Ortiz, Omar Vela, Paul Arias, Diego Zanolli, Emilio Wagner

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background Tibialis posterior (TP) tendon transfer through the interosseous membrane is commonly performed in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. In order to avoid entrapment of this tendon, no clear recommendation relative to the interosseous membrane (IOM) incision size has been made. Objective Analyze the TP size at the transfer level and therefore determine the most adequate IOM window size to avoid muscle entrapment. Methods Eleven lower extremity magnetic resonances were analyzed. TP muscle measurements were made in axial views, obtaining the medial-lateral and antero-posterior diameter at various distances from the medial malleolus tip. The distance from the posterior to anterior compartment was also measured. These measurements were applied to a mathematical model to predict the IOM window size necessary to allow an ample TP passage in an oblique direction. Results The average tendon diameter (confidence-interval) at 15 cm proximal to the medial malleolus tip was 19.47 mm (17.47–21.48). The deep posterior compartment to anterior compartment distance was 10.97 mm (9.03–12.90). Using a mathematical model, the estimated IOM window size ranges from 4.2 to 4.9 cm. Conclusion The IOM window size is of utmost importance in trans-membrane TP transfers, given that if equal or smaller than the transposed tendon oblique diameter, a high entrapment risk exists. A membrane window of 5 cm or 2.5 times the size of the tendon diameter should be performed in order to theoretically diminish this complication.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)196-199
Number of pages4
JournalFoot and Ankle Surgery
Volume22
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Sep 2016
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2015 European Foot and Ankle Society

Keywords

  • Drop foot
  • Interosseous membrane
  • Tendon entrapment
  • Tendon transfer
  • Tibialis posterior tendon transfer

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