Surgical Techniques for Repair of Atraumatic Tibialis Anterior Tendon Ruptures: A Report of Two Cases.

ABSTRACT

Tendon ruptures of the foot and ankle are overwhelmingly due to direct or blunt force trauma; however, spontaneous tendon ruptures have been less commonly documented in the published data. Surgical techniques for the repair of atraumatic ruptures differ from those for acute traumatic ruptures owing to the delayed patient presentation. Spontaneous tendon ruptures usually result from predisposing factors that have compromised the structural integrity of the tendon before the rupture occurs. We present 2 cases of atraumatic rupture of the tibialis anterior tendon, each repaired using a different surgical technique. A unique surgical procedure was selected after preoperative planning and individual patient considerations. Each patient had a minimum follow-up period of 12 months after surgery. Both patients returned to their previous functional status with no long-term sequela.