Rupture of the posterior tibial tendon results in a progressive, painful
flat-foot deformity. Other physical findings are an inability to invert the
heel on tip-toe standing and loss of inversion power. In this study we
report on seventeen patients with this condition who were surgically
treated with a transfer of the flexor digitorum longus tendon into the
navicular or an advancement of the posterior tibial tendon. Follow-up
results were excellent in twelve, good in one, fair in three, and poor in
one patient. Arthrodesis of the talonavicular and calcaneocuboid joints was
subsequently done for the patient with the poor result.