Dislocation of the posterior tibial tendon

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Sports Medicine
• Foot and Ankle Surgery

Background:

• Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction is a common cause of medial foot pain.
• Dislocation or subluxation of the posterior tibial tendon can lead to significant disability.
• Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the outcomes of surgical repair for posterior tibial tendon dislocation or recurrent subluxation.
• To identify common intraoperative findings associated with this condition.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective case series of seven patients with posterior tibial tendon dislocation/subluxation.
• Diagnosis confirmed by clinical examination and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
• Surgical repair tailored to intraoperative findings, including tenosynovitis, flexor groove issues, and retinaculum integrity.

Main Results:

• All seven patients showed marked improvement at an average of 28 months post-surgery.
• Six out of seven patients returned to their pre-injury level of activity.
• Common findings included tenosynovitis, shallow/incompetent flexor groove, and retinacular tears.

Conclusions:

• Surgical repair is an effective treatment for posterior tibial tendon dislocation/subluxation.
• Tailoring surgical techniques to intraoperative findings may improve outcomes.
• Restoration of function and return to activity are achievable goals.