Ruptured tibialis posterior tendon in a closed ankle fracture

Interposition of a ruptured tibialis posterior tendon between the medial malleolar fracture fragments in a closed pronation-eversion ankle fracture occurred in a 21-year-old woman. The tendon rupture was not diagnosed before surgery but was recognized at the time of open reduction. the tendon was repaired and the fracture internally fixed. Twelve months after the operation, the patient had a nearly full range of pain-free ankle movements and a normal longitudinal arch.     

Rupture of the tibialis posterior tendon in a closed ankle fracture: a case report

Rupture of the tibialis posterior tendon may occur during a trauma in pronation-external rotation of the foot or, less commonly, during a direct trauma of the ankle. When an isolated fracture of the medial malleolus is present, it is more likely that a direct trauma has occurred. A 36-year-old man with a non-displaced medial malleolar fracture was evaluated. Repair of the tendon and reduction of the fracture were performed. Twenty-four months after the operation, the fracture was completely healed, the patient was asymptomatic, he had a normal ankle range of motion, and the function and strength of the tibialis posterior tendon were equal to those on the contralateral side. Early surgical repair of the tibialis posterior tendon combined with malleolar fracture reduction is recommended to avoid progression to a plano-valgus foot.     

Tibialis Posterior Tendon Rupture Associated with a Closed Medial Malleolar Fracture: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

We report an acute rupture of a macroscopically normal tibialis posterior tendon in the setting of an acute closed ankle fracture. This injury is considered to be rare, although it is probably frequently overlooked preoperatively because of limitations of the clinical examination secondary to pain. The tibialis posterior tendon rupture was identified at the time of operative repair of the ankle fracture, and direct suture repair of the tendon was undertaken. After primary suture and osteosynthesis, the patient’s progress was favorable and a satisfactory outcome was achieved. A clear history of the mechanism of injury as well as a high index of suspicion should be maintained, because failure to repair rupture of the tibialis posterior tendon, in the presence of an ankle fracture, is likely to lead to long-term patient disability and a planovalgus foot.     

Checkrein deformity--an unusual complication associated with a closed Salter-Harris Type II ankle fracture: a case report.

This article presents a case of tethering of the flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon (checkrein deformity) and rupture of the posterior tibialis tendon after a closed Salter-Harris Type II ankle fracture. Delayed repair was affected by tenolysis of the FHL and flexor digitorum longus tendons and tenodesis of the posterior tibialis to the flexor digitorum longus tendon. This case represents the first such report of concomitant entrapment of the FHL tendon and rupture of the posterior tibialis tendon after a closed ankle fracture.     

Isolated Dislocation of the Posterior Tibial Tendon in an Amateur Snowboarder: A Case Report

Isolated dislocation of the posterior tibial tendon is an uncommon pathologic entity that typically occurs in the setting of acute trauma. The diagnosis remains challenging and is often delayed second to the rarity of the injury and symptoms similar to that of medial ankle sprains and other routinely diagnosed injuries about the ankle. The factors that predispose this tendon to dislocation include a hypoplastic retromalleolar groove, flexor retinaculum insufficiency, chronic repetitive trauma, and a structural abnormality from a previous medial malleolar fracture, or a combination thereof. Dislocation has also been cited as a complication of multiple local steroid injections and tarsal tunnel release. The mechanism of injury appears to involve forced dorsiflexion and eversion of the ankle when the posterior tibial tendon is contracted. Most cases do not respond well to conservative treatment and will require surgery to restore function and eliminate symptoms. We report a case of posterior tibial tendon dislocation related to a snowboarding injury and offer our technique for surgical correction.     

后外侧入路在老年性踝关节骨折中的应用

[目的]评价后外侧入路在老年踝关节骨折中的临床应用.[方法]2005年3月-2007年8月对13例老年踝关节骨折采取后外侧入路行外后踝骨折切开复位内固定,同一切口中外踝骨折钢板内固定放置于腓骨远端后侧、后踝骨折行螺钉或钢板固定.观察术后伤口愈合、骨折恢复及内固定情况,同时按Olerud和Molander踝关节骨折术后评分系统对踝关节功能进行评估.[结果] 13例均获随访,随访时间6～23个月,平均15个月.伤口无裂开、坏死,1例出现症状不甚严重的腓骨肌腱炎,骨折愈合后取出钢板后症状消失.术后4～6个月X线片显示骨折均愈合,无内固定松动、断裂.踝关节骨折术后功能评分平均为91分,其中优9例,良3例,可1例,优良率为92.3％.[结论]后外侧入路能同时完成后外踝骨折的治疗,可减少老年患者的手术创伤、创面感染及坏死等并发症,对伴骨质疏松老年患者的外踝骨折能进行牢靠安全固定.     

Fracture of the neck of the talus associated with a trimalleolar ankle fracture and ruptured tibialis posterior tendon.

A rare case of a fracture through the neck of the talus with a trimalleolar ankle fracture and ruptured tibialis posterior tendon is presented and the literature reviewed. Management consisted of open-reduction internal fixation of the fractures and repair of the tibialis posterior tendon. At 40 months after injury, the patient had tibiotalar range of motion at 5 degrees of dorsiflexion and 38 degrees of plantar flexion. While avascular necrosis of the talus did not occur, significant degenerative arthritis of the ankle was noted.     

The isolated posterior malleolar fracture and syndesmotic instability: A case report and review of the literature

IntroductionAnkle fractures are among the most common type of fractures in the lower extremity. A posterior malleolar fracture is frequently part of a more complex ankle fracture and only in rare cases it occurs as isolated injury. Posterior malleolar fractures often occur with associated injuries, such as a Maisonneuve fracture or with bi- or trimalleolar ligamentous injuries. Knowledge about these associated injuries is essential to prevent missed diagnoses. The aim of this article is to describe the isolated posterior malleolar fracture, the possible associated injuries, the diagnostic work-up and therapeutic consequences.Presentation of caseWe present a case of a 26-year-old male patient who sustained an isolated posterior malleolar fracture with 4.5 years follow-up.DiscussionIsolated fractures of the posterior malleolus are uncommon injuries. Diagnosis, treatment and outcome can seldom be extracted from large series. However, several cases have been described in literature, which we have summarized.ConclusionThis case report and literature review shows that isolated posterior malleolar fractures might occur as part of a more complex ankle injury, in combination with a fracture of the lower leg or after high energy trauma. Physicians should be aware of these associated injuries. Diagnostic work-up should include X-rays of the knee and lower leg and a CT scan of the ankle. If diagnosed and treated properly, isolated posterior malleolar fractures have a good long-term functional outcome.     

Traumatische Luxation der Tibialis posterior Sehne

Traumatic dislocations of the tibialis posterior tendon are a rare entity compared to other injuries of the ankle joint. It should be considered if the patient presents with the mechanism of an ankle sprain in combination with severe pain in the region of the internal malleolus. We report of two cases of a traumatic dislocation of the tibialis posterior tendon and discuss the clinical image and the operative treatment.     

Open Ankle Dislocation Without Fractures With Tibialis Posterior Tendon Interposition Through the Interosseous Space

Open ankle dislocations without fracture are rare injuries. Dislocation or interposition of adjacent tendons are a rare associated feature of ankle fracture-dislocation. We report an extremely unusual case of open ankle dislocation without fracture with concurrent tibialis posterior tendon interposition through the interosseous space that was detected incidentally on computed tomography. We highlight the clinical, radiologic, and intraoperative features to avoid missing similar diagnoses.     

Irreducible Fracture Dislocation of the Ankle Caused by Tibialis Posterior Tendon Interposition

A patient with severe irreducible open fracture dislocation of the ankle was admitted to our emergency department. After wound irrigation and debridement, skeletal traction was applied to the calcaneus to minimize soft tissue injury and swelling. The patient was followed in traction for 1 week, after which reduction and fixation of the fibula was attempted but not achieved. We extended the incision distally, visualized the ankle, and located the tibialis posterior tendon between the distal tibia and fibula, thereby inhibiting the reduction. The tendon coursed into the tibiotalar joint anteriorly and pushed the talus anterolaterally. After manipulation of the tendon to its anatomically correct location, the ankle was easily reduced. The wound at the medial side was closed with a fasciocutaneous rotational flap. The ankle was then immobilized for 6 weeks postoperatively. The patient regained her full range of motion, and there were no problems with the tibialis posterior tendon, such as rupture or insufficiency. Isolated tibialis posterior tendon interposition between the distal tibiofibular and tibiotalar joints has rarely been reported, and can inhibit anatomical reduction of the fractured ankle.     

Injuries of the tibialis posterior tendon: diagnosis and therapy

Complete traumatic rupture of the tibialis posterior tendon is absolutely rare. From the scarce case reports in the medical literature a extreme pronation-abduction or pronation-external rotation mechanism according to the Lauge-Hansen classification can be presumed, leading to a malleolar fracture because of forced pronation, external rotation and dorsiflexion of the foot. With primary suture the prognosis is favorable. Traumatic dislocations, mostly with luxatio pedis sub talo, are treated by atraumatic reduction and refixation of the retinaculum. Again, the prognosis is favorable. Incomplete traumatic rupture of the tibialis posterior tendon with development of posttraumatic pes plano valgus, according to case reports and our own experience result from severe pronation-external rotation-soft tissue injuries as well as with pronation-abduction or pronation-external rotation-type ankle fractures. In these cases no macroscopic rupture of the tendon is evident, however occult interstitial micro-ruptures can occur because of excessive stretching, which can be determined histologically. If conservative measures fail, a modified Evans osteotomy to lengthen the lateral foot column is indicated. Degenerative complete and incomplete ruptures of the tibialis posterior tendon are predominantly seen in women more than 42 years old. Staging of this entity can be achieved with clinical tests (muscular force, external rotation), ultrasound, weight-bearing x-rays, CT and MRT. According to the degree of decompensation of tendon function, treatment consists of augmentation, modified Evans procedure or triple arthrodesis of the hind-foot.     

Acute tibialis posterior tendon rupture associated with a distal tibial fracture

Tibialis posterior tendon ruptures associated with closed medial malleolar fractures are rare. This article describes the association of tibialis posterior tendon ruptures with closed, high-energy, distal tibia fractures. Tendon ruptures are likely to be identified intraoperatively or missed if clinical evaluation at acute injury is limited. A high index of suspicion is required to diagnose this injury. The consequences of an unrecognized tibialis posterior tendon rupture include progressive, painful pes planus deformities due to the unopposed action of the peroneus brevis muscle and lack of support of the medial longitudinal arch. Secondary operative intervention may be required. This article describes an intraoperative tenodesis technique between the tibialis posterior and flexor digitorum longus tendons when direct repair is not possible.A 48-year-old woman sustained a closed AO/Orthopaedic Trauma Association type 43A right lower-extremity distal tibia fracture and a traumatic left knee arthrotomy. Temporary stabilization with an external fixator was performed, followed by open reduction and internal fixation of the distal tibial fracture 6 days later. A periarticular nonlocking medial plate was applied, and the tibialis posterior tendon was shortened. We performed a direct tenodesis to the flexor digitorum longus tendon. At 1-year follow-up, the patient had made excellent progress, with no detectable muscle weakness, and was able to perform a single-leg toe raise.A review of the literature suggested which features of radiological evidence of tendon rupture should be examined, which may be useful in the current era considering most high-energy distal tibia or pilon fractures undergo examination with computed tomography.     

Use of emergency room external fixator in provisional reduction of posterior malleolar fractures

Closed reduction is an important initial step in managing ankle fractures. Although the majority of ankle fractures can be managed with closed reduction, the posterior malleolar fracture is often unstable. Posterior malleolar fractures may result in persistent posterior ankle dislocation with compromise of the soft tissue surrounding the joint. Persistent dislocation is best treated with urgent open reduction and fixation to protect the cartilage and surrounding soft tissues and to allow for ease of reduction at the time of surgery. We describe a technique for placing an emergency room external fixator for provisional reduction of the unstable posterior malleolar fracture. This technique allows for early reduction of unstable posterior malleolar fractures and avoids the need for urgent operative reduction.     

河北医科大学第三医院956例后踝骨折的流行病学分析

目的探讨后踝骨折特点及其变化,为治疗后踝骨折制订更合理的方案。 方法回顾性分析2009年1月至2014年12月河北医科大学第三医院收治的后踝骨折患者的临床资料,分析患者性别、年龄、骨折部位分布等特点。 结果共收集踝关节骨折4 278例,956例发生后踝骨折,其中男性555例（58.05%）,女性401例（41.95%）,男女比为1.38∶1。骨折高发年龄为20~60岁;≤50岁的患者中,男性明显多于女性;>50岁的患者中,女性明显多于男性;各年龄段性别构成比差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。前三年骨折高发部位为后踝骨折合并外踝骨折（37.7%）,其次为后踝合并内踝骨折（10.2%）和三踝骨折（1.9%%）,后三年骨折高发部位为三踝骨折（26.1%）,其次为后踝合并内踝骨折（7.0%）和后踝合并外踝骨折（4.5%）;两时间段骨折部位构成比差异有统计学意义（P<0.001）。致伤原因的前三位分别为扭伤（35.4%）、交通伤（28.1%）和摔伤（23.0%）。 结论后踝关节骨折高发年龄段为20~60岁,男性多于女性;骨折高发部位为后踝骨折合并外踝骨折,后三年三踝骨折人数明显增加,致伤原因以扭伤、交通事故和摔伤为主。     

Tendoscopy of the posterior tibial tendon

An anatomic cadaver study was performed and subsequently, in a prospective study, diagnostic and therapeutic tendoscopy (tendon sheath endoscopy) was performed in 16 consecutive patients with a history of persistent posteromedial ankle pain for at least 6 months. All patients had pain on palpation over the posterior tibial tendon, a positive tibial tendon resistance test, and local swelling. The indications were diagnostic procedure after surgery in 5 patients, diagnostic procedure after fracture in 5, diagnostic after trauma in 1, chronic tenosynovitis in 2, screw removal in 1, and posterior ankle arthrotomy in 2 patients. Inspection and surgery of the complete tendon and its tendon sheath can be performed by a standard two-portal technique. A new finding is the vincula that was consistently present in all our autopsy specimens as well as all our patients. At 1-year follow-up, 3 of the 4 patients in whom resection of a pathological thickened vincula, and 2 patients in whom tenosynovectomy and tendon sheath release were performed, were free of symptoms. Other procedures such as removal of adhesions and screw removal could well be performed. In 2 patients with a posteromedially located loose body, successful removal took place by means of a posterior tibial tendoscopic approach. There were no complications.     

Nonunion of a medial malleolar stress fracture in an adolescent athlete secondary to lateral ankle instability: A case report

IntroductionMedial malleolar stress fractures are relatively uncommon. This report describes the successful treatment of nonunion of a medial malleolar stress fracture due to chronic lateral ankle instability.Presentation of caseA 13-year-old middle school student who belonged to a football club presented to our clinic with chronic medial left ankle pain lasting over a year. He had sprained his left ankle several times 6 years earlier. A plain anteroposterior ankle radiograph showed a vertical fracture line in the medial malleolus involving the epiphyseal plate, and computed tomography demonstrated the vertical fracture seen on the plain radiographs and bone sclerosis at the fracture site. We performed internal fixation for nonunion of the medial malleolar stress fracture with arthroscopic modified Broström for lateral ankle instability. Two years after surgery, the Self-Administered Foot Evaluation Questionnaire improved in all parameters, and both the anterior drawer and varus stress tests were negative.DiscussionEarly diagnosis of medial malleolar stress fracture is important for a rapid return to sports. Magnetic resonance imaging is helpful for early diagnosis. Because lateral ankle instability can cause medial malleolar stress fracture, arthroscopic modified Broström procedure is meaningful for medial malleolar stress fracture with lateral ankle instability.ConclusionInternal fixation and the arthroscopic modified Broström procedure could achieve good clinical outcomes for medial malleolar stress fractures with lateral ankle instability.     

Fracture of the Medial Tubercle of the Posterior Process of the Talus: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Appearance with Clinical Follow-Up

Fractures of the medial tubercle of the posterior process of the talus are rare injuries. They are often misdiagnosed, resulting in increased morbidity and symptoms of chronic ankle pain and instability. When undetected, these fractures may become displaced, with potential additional injuries such as to the flexor hallucis longus tendon which may become interposed between the fracture fragments. We report a case of a clinically unsuspected fracture of the medial tubercle of the posterior process of the talus seen on magnetic resonance imaging, treated conservatively, with interval satisfactory healing of the fracture at 6 weeks follow-up.     

骨折间隙直视下复位固定后踝移位骨折

[目的]介绍骨折断端间隙直视法下三踝骨折中后踝移位骨折复位固定的手术技术与临床效果。[方法]选择2014年1月~2017年12月手足外科收治的三踝骨折中后踝移位骨折患者42例,采用骨折断端间隙直视法复位固定后踝骨折,采用骨骼肌肉功能评分(SMFA)评定患者术后恢复情况。[结果]所有患者均达到骨性愈合,术后未出现需要进行翻修手术或感染的病例,踝关节背伸跖屈功能良好。患者骨骼肌肉功能评分(SMFA)功能障碍指数平均为(8.01±1.73)分,SMFA困扰指数平均为(2.22±1.31)分。所有患者术后平均3个月进行正常的日常生活活动。[结论]对于三踝骨折中后踝移位骨折的治疗,采用后外侧入路骨折断端直视下复位固定方法可能是一种更好的选择。     

Traumatic rupture of the tibialis posterior tendon after closed ankle fractures: A report of two cases

Summary We report two cases of posttraumatic complete rupture of the tibialis posterior tendon that occurred during closed fractures of the medial malleolus. A low located fracture of the medial malleolus and an intense forced pronation, external rotation and dorsiflexion of the foot have been involved in the physiopathogeny of that rupture. At each intervention, the tibialis posterior tendon had been disrupted above the upper edge of the groove of the medial retinaculum of the ankle. After tendon suture concomitant with osteosynthesis, the evolution was favourable. Failing to appreciate this tendon rupture, although rare, can be at the origin of residual pains and a functional deficit of foot reversion.