New Techniques Tendon Transfer for Correction of Drop Foot in Common Peroneal Nerve Palsy

Background: Drop foot from common peroneal nerve palsy causes significant disability, impairing gait and quality of life. Trauma, compression, and iatrogenic injuries are common etiologies. Conservative treatment often fails in chronic cases, making tendon transfer surgery the mainstay. Newer modifications, such as posterior tibialis tendon transfer and dual tendon techniques, aim to improve strength, balance, and patient satisfaction. This study evaluates functional outcomes of such tendon transfer procedures in Bangladeshi patients. Objectives: To evaluate effectiveness of new tendon transfer techniques in correcting drop foot from common peroneal nerve palsy and improving functional outcomes. Method and Materials: This prospective observational study included 32 patients with drop foot from common peroneal nerve palsy, recruited 2014–2024 from four tertiary hospitals in Bangladesh. Data on demographics, etiology, and surgical technique were collected using structured proforma. Outcomes were measured by muscle power grading, gait improvement, and patient satisfaction. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 26. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained, ensuring confidentiality and adherence to the Declaration of Helsinki guidelines. Result: In this study of 32 patients (mean age 32.4 ± 8.7 years), 20 (62.5%) were male and 12 (37.5%) females, with most (34.4%) aged ≥40 years. Right-sided drop foot occurred in 18 (56.3%) cases. Trauma was the leading cause (50.0%). Tibialis posterior transfer was most common (43.8%). Postoperatively, 26 (81.3%) achieved good-to-excellent outcomes. Complications were rare, affecting 7 (21.8%). Overall, 27 patients (84.4%) reported being satisfied or highly satisfied with surgery. Conclusion: New tendon transfer techniques effectively correct drop foot, yielding over 80% good outcomes with minimal complications and high patient satisfaction.