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What Causes Tightness In The Ankle Post A Posterior Tibial Transfer Procedure?

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Posted on Wed, 14 Dec 2016
Question: Hello, Dr. Tayal. Since I had had the posterior tibial transfer to straighten my foot as a child 50 years ago from monoplasia, and the surgery greatly reduces the mobility of the ankle and calf muscle, leading to atrophy, is it conceivable that the tendon had been tightened too much in the surgery, and that after some years the tendon could have been loosened up by additional surgery to allow more mobility??
Thanks.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (51 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Can be due to lesser tendon growth.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
During a tendon transfer the stitching and shifting can cause scarring and can reduce the normal elasticity and growth of the tendon. After a few years it can become tight due to overstretching. This might need another surgery to loosen the tendon and to allow more movement around the ankle.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (57 minutes later)
I seem to remember that starting after the surgery my ankle was always tight, and no orthopedist ever bothered to raise the possibility that you are mentioning. I do not recall anyone ever indicating that I could have ease of ankle movement. I don't even remember anyone talking about it at all....!!

Had they done so I could have saved alot of problems and had a stronger calf muscle also, with no extra problems on the knee.

Question: Is it something that could still be realistically done now even after 50 years?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (48 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Depends on condition of tendon and muscles.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
A release procedure is possible but that depends on the condition o the muscles and the tendon. It may become friable and weak due to disuse. A physical examination and MRI scan can help in detecting the feasibility of the repeat surgery.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Practicing since :1994

Answered : 12314 Questions

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What Causes Tightness In The Ankle Post A Posterior Tibial Transfer Procedure?

Brief Answer: Can be due to lesser tendon growth. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for posting your query. During a tendon transfer the stitching and shifting can cause scarring and can reduce the normal elasticity and growth of the tendon. After a few years it can become tight due to overstretching. This might need another surgery to loosen the tendon and to allow more movement around the ankle. I hope this answers your query. In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out. Wishing you good health. Regards. Dr. Praveen Tayal. For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal