Tendon transfers for Achilles reconstruction.

Tendon transfers are commonly used in the foot and ankle to restore function in neglected ruptures, reconstruct degenerated tendons, and correct deformity. The Achilles tendon is commonly afflicted by these problems because of the dominant role it plays in the mechanics of gait and running and its inherently poor blood supply. This article discusses the general principles of tendon transfers with regard to Achilles tendon function, the surgical techniques involved, and published results using these techniques. The goal is to provide the orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon with a wide variety of techniques to solve both the straightforward Achilles tendon problem as well as the difficult revision case.