Reconstruction of a chronic extensor hallucis longus tendon laceration with a gracilis tendon autograft

Extensor hallucis longus tendon injuries are uncommon, representing < 2% of tendon injuries. Lacerations are more common than spontaneous ruptures, and if neglected are often difficult to primarily repair because of tendon retraction and scarring. Few reports address the operative treatment of chronic extensor hallucis longus tendon injuries. To our knowledge the use of a gracilis tendon autograft has not been reported. We describe the use of this free tendon autograft with a hallux interphalangeal joint arthrodesis in one patient.