Tendon Turndown to Bridge a Tibialis Anterior Gap and Restore Active Dorsiflexion After Degloving Foot Injury in a Child

A Case Report

Abstract

Case: 

A child with a severe degloving injury to the dorsum of the foot and ankle had segmental loss of the tibialis anterior tendon and toe extensors. A tendon turndown procedure was used, and the repaired tendon was covered with a latissimus muscle free flap to restore active ankle dorsiflexion. Details of the procedure are described, and active dorsiflexion and functional ambulation were restored.

Conclusions: 

The tendon turndown method is a simple and effective way to overcome segmental tendon loss of tibialis anterior and allowed restoration of active dorsiflexion in this case without relying on tendon transfers or grafting.