Operative treatment in case of a closed rupture of the anterior tibial tendon

Closed rupture of the tibial anterior tendon is a rare clinical entity. Case reports in the literature reveal a total of only 49 cases up to the year 2000. According to these reports, the age group affected is 50 to 70 years old, and there are more men than women affected. Although the functional limitation is quite considerable, late diagnosis is common. An appropriate clinical examination, including an exact history taking, should lead to the right diagnosis. Ultrasound examination and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be helpful. 'Restitutio ad integrum' can only be achieved by operative treatment. If technically possible, reinsertion of the tendon directly into bone or direct tendon repair is preferred. After delayed diagnosis, a secondary reconstruction through tendon transfer or transplantation is often necessary. A 64-year-old woman presented with pain and swelling in the area of the ankle joint 5 months after falling. She showed insecurity in walking, and the heel-walk could not be demonstrated. The distal neurovascular function was intact. The area of the retinaculum showed a swelling, and the tendon was not palpable in comparison with the other forefoot. An intact tendon could not be seen by ultrasound, and MRI confirmed these findings. A complete rupture was noted during the operative revision. The proximal and the distal tendon stumps were found to be thickened and knotted, the proximal stump was also atrophic. An augmented tenoplasty was performed. Afterwards, the tendon was tense in the neutral position. The lower leg was put in a plaster cast for 6 weeks, followed by physiotherapy. Ten months after the operation, the tendon was palpable in the correct position, the dorsal extension was powerful, and the patient did not experience any difficulty. Rupture of the anterior tibial tendon is a rare clinical entity and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pain in the area of the ankle joint. An early operative treatment is advantageous.