Plantar Plate Reconstruction for Stage IV Plantar Plate Tear Using Flexor Tendon Tenodesis

Category: Lesser Toes Introduction/Purpose: Outcomes of the surgical treatment of dislocated lesser toes have improved significantly over the past few years due to the development of techniques to repair plantar plate tears through a dorsal incision. However, treatment of stage 4 tears with no reparable plantar plate can be challenging. The current treatment involves flexor to extensor tendon transfer, requiring multiple incisions and surgical time. An alternative approach is presented, using the same modern techniques of plantar plate repair, but reconstructing the plantar plate using a flexor tendon tenodesis to the plantar base of the proximal phalanx. Methods: Four fresh frozen cadaver foot and ankle specimens were used to determine the stability of this new technique. A simulated Lachman’s test was performed on the 2nd, 3 rd, and 4th metatarsophalangeal joints utilizing a force measurement instrument with displacement control on specimens with an intact plantar plate, an excised plantar plate, and following a flexor tenodesis reconstruction. Results: The intact plantar plate force was 9.0+2.6kN for 2 mm displacement, and following excision of the plantar plate, the force reduced to 1.3+0.4kN. The flexor tenodesis reconstruction improved the force to 6.0+1.9kN. Conclusion: Plantar plate reconstruction with a flexor tenodesis to the proximal phalanx resulted in stability equal to 53% of the intact plantar plate, for the shear displacements between 2 to 6 mm. This procedure may be an alternative treatment option in patients with Stage 4 irreparable plantar plate tears.