Sixty-six consecutive tenodeses of the tendo achillis to the fibula were
done in sixty patients who had paralytic pes calcaneus. The patients were
followed for an average of 5.7 years (range, two to 10.8 years). The
preoperative disturbance of gait was eliminated in all of the patients, and
radiographic improvement was noted in the feet that had been operated on.
Sixteen feet (23 per cent) required revision of the tenodesis because
equinus deformity had developed. The development of equinus deformity was
found to occur more often in patients who had the procedure at a younger
age and in patients in whom the calcaneotibial angle measured more than 70
degrees at the time of the tenodesis. Residual cavovarus deformity was
successfully treated by a plantar release.