Translocation of the Peroneus Longus in the Treatment of Paralytic Pes Calcaneus

A FOLLOW-UP STUDY OF THIRTY-THREE CASES

¹ From the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Mayer de Rothschild Hadassah University Hospital, Jerusalem

The results of translocation of the peroneus longus in thirty-three children are reviewed.

Progressive paralytic calcaneus deformity in a growing child was the indication for operation. A normally functioning peroneus longus and a calcaneus deformity in which the foot could be passively corrected to neutral were the essential prerequisites for operations. The operation was performed at an average age of the patient of 6.2 years. Development of bone maturity is not a prerequisite for this operation.

Translocation of the peroneus longus reroutes the tendon behind the calcaneus under great tension. This converts the calcaneus deformity into equinus position at the time of operation and allows any residual muscle power of the triceps surae to function by restoring its mechanical advantage.

There were no patients in whom operation was completely ineffective. In twenty patients the translocated tendon acted only as a tenodesis, correcting the deformity and preventing its further progression. In thirteen patients, active plantar flexion was achieved. Following operation, fixed equinus deformity occurred in seven patients and varus deformity in two. These deformities were amenable to later correction.

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