J Korean Foot Ankle Soc.  2016 Dec;20(4):182-186. 10.14193/jkfas.2016.20.4.182.

Chronic Tibialis Anterior Tendon Rupture Treated with Semitendinosus Autograft: A Report of Two Cases

• Park HK
• Lee SJ

• KMID: 2362767
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.14193/jkfas.2016.20.4.182

Abstract

The tibialis anterior tendon functions as a major dorsiflexor of the ankle. A rupture in this tendon can cause serious problems in the ambulatory function. A closed traumatic rupture without open wound or an atraumatic rupture can delay diagnosis and treatment. There are not enough guidelines for an effective surgical treatment on this chronic condition. Herein, we report two cases of chronic tibialis anterior disruption successfully treated by semitendinosus autograft.

Keyword

Anterior tibial muscle; Chronic rupture; Semitendinosus; Autografts

MeSH Terms

Ankle
Autografts*
Diagnosis
Muscle, Skeletal
Rupture*
Tendons*
Wounds and Injuries

Figure

• 

  Figure 1. (A) Sagittal view of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrates complete ruptured tibialis anterior tendon retracted at the talonavicular joint level. (B) Axial view of MRI demonstrates proximal tendon stump formed a fibrotic lump.

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  Figure 2. The ruptured tibialis anterior tendon shows degenerative change.

• 

  Figure 3. (A) The final defect length was measured. (B) Semintendinosus autograft was sutured to the proximal stump by Pulvertaft weave and the distal end was passed through the bone tunnel of the medial cuneiform. (C) Distal end of the autograft was pulled back proximally and was sutured to the normal tendinous portion of the proximal stump.

• 

  Figure 4. (A) Lateral radiograph of the ankle shows calcification deposit on the anterior aspect of the tibiotalar joint (arrow). (B) A sagittal view of magnetic resonance image (MRI) demonstrates completely ruptured tibialis anterior tendon with retraction. (C) An axial view of MRI demonstrates proximal stump of the ruptured tibialis anterior tendon forming a fibrotic lump.

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  Figure 5. Two years after surgery, there was no restriction during active plantarflexion (A) and dorsiflexion (B).

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