Dislocation of the posterior tibial tendon

We have treated seven patients with dislocation or recurrent subluxation of the posterior tibial tendon. The diagnosis of dislocation was made based on the patient's symptoms, physical examination, and magnetic resonance scanning. All patients were treated with surgical repair, which was modified according to the operative findings. The operative findings included tenosynovitis, a shallow or incompetent flexor groove, and tearing or absence of the flexor retinaculum. At an average of 28 months following surgery, all patients were markedly improved and six returned to their preinjury level of activity.