Review Question - QID 632

The partial foot amputation through the talonavicular and calcaneocuboid joints is also known as the Chopart amputation. The Chopart amputation may result in significant equinovarus deformity with anterior weight bearing through the scar line, predisposing to skin breakdown over time. Therefore, lengthening of the Achilles tendon and transfer of the tibialis anterior to the talar neck should also be performed in conjunction with this disarticulation.

The tibialis anterior transfer results in dorsiflexion and distributes the weight-bearing portion more centrally and the lengthening of the Achilles tendon is necessary to accommodate this posteriorly. Transfer of the tibialis anterior or posterior tibialis to the calcaneus would exacerbate the equinovarus deformity. Shortening of the Achilles tendon would also exacerbate the anterior loading of the scar.