Function After Anterolateral Resection of the Lower Leg for Extirpation of Tumors: Extension and Pronation of the Foot Restored by Transfer of the Tibialis Posterior Muscle

Abstract

A function preserving method for radical removal of tumors located anterolaterally in the lower leg is described. The loss caused by the inclusion of all extensors and pronators of the foot in the surgical specimen is compensated for, to a large extent, by transfer of the tendon of the tibialis posterior muscle to the conjoint tendons of the extensor digitorum longus and peroneus tertius. The function after such an operation has been studied in two patients using various methods including strength measurements and, in one of them, electromyography.

Key words:

• ankle joint
• biomechanics
• muscle resection
• soft tissue tumors
• surgical treatment