Tibialis anterior tendon transfer is used for which foot deformity?

• A. Equinovarus
• B. Cavovarus
• C. Pes planus
• D. Hallux valgus

Answer: (A)

Tibialis anterior tendon transfer is used to rebalance a foot with equinovarus by changing the pull of the tibialis anterior. Normally, the TA dorsiflexes and inverts the foot. In an equinovarus deformity, this inverted pull can contribute to the varus position and the plantarflexed (equinus) hindfoot. By transferring the TA tendon to the lateral side of the foot (often a split transfer or attachment to a more lateral insertion), the line of pull is shifted so the muscle acts more as an evertor in addition to its dorsiflexion function. This reduces hindfoot varus and improves dorsiflexion during gait, providing a dynamic correction of the deformity.

Hallux valgus and pes planus are not addressed by this transfer, and while tibialis anterior transfer can be considered in some cavovarus cases, the scenario most classically described for this procedure is an equinovarus deformity.