Treatment of Stage I posterior tibial tendon dysfunction with medial soft tissue procedures

Seven patients with Stage I posterior tibial tendon dysfunction were treate d with synovectomy, with or without tendon debridement, At the II-month fol lowup, six patients were completely pain free. The one patient who eventual ly required flexor digitorum longus transfer and lateral column lengthening because of progression to Stage II disease had significant intra-substance tendinous degeneration, Early diagnosis and aggressive treatment are imper ative to prevent progression of Stage I posterior tibial tendon dysfunction . Operative treatment is indicated if a reasonable trial of easting or brac ing does not relieve symptoms.