Muscle Transfer
Surgery

Muscle transfer involves moving tendon muscle units from one area of the body to another to improve mobility. Tendons are integral soft-tissue structures that help our bodies function, move and stretch, and connect muscle to bone. Dr Alexander performs tendon transfers to alleviate foot and ankle deformities, injuries and other conditions affecting mobility.

Why are tendons transferred?

In some cases, you may have a pre-existing condition involving a short or damaged tendon that cannot be repaired. Dr Alexander will perform a tendon transfer to reposition joints and bones and prevent further issues or fractures.

Tendon transfers can occur all over the body, but Dr Alexander specialises in foot and ankle muscle transfers.

What conditions do tendon transfers correct?

Tendon transfer surgery can help alleviate orthopaedic pain for various foot and ankle conditions. Conditions that Dr Alexander corrects with tendon transfer surgery include:

• Flatfoot
• Foot drop
• Haglund's deformity
• Cavovarus foot (high arch)
• Achilles tendon reconstruction

Dr Alexander will first assess your condition and take X-rays and a detailed medical history before advising which course of treatment is best. Surgery is typically only recommended when non-invasive procedures have failed.

How are tendon transfers performed?

Tendon transfer surgery occurs while you are under general anaesthesia and is an outpatient procedure. First, Dr Alexander will remove the damaged tendon and then make an incision close to the working tendon. The working tendon is directed to the area where the damaged tendon was situated and either sewn to itself or kept in place by metal screws. Next, Dr Alexander passes the tendon through a tunnel or drilled hole in the bone to help it mimic the role of the previous tendon. Once complete, Dr Alexander will stitch the incision and bandage the area.

Recovery after tendon transfer

After surgery, you can usually leave on the same day but will require a lift and some assistance. You will also need to wear splints for several weeks to ensure the tendon heals properly. During this time, you will have regular check-ins with Dr Alexander to assess your progress.