[Tendinopathy of the tibialis anterior tendon : surgical management]

A tendinopathy of the tibialis anterior tendon is a rare clinical problem. MRI is the diagnostic tool of choice. The first-line therapy should be conservative. We report about five patients who underwent operative therapy after failed conservative treatment. The operation included débridement and augmentation of the tendon. The follow-up was at least 6 months. The mean preoperative Kitaoka score was 63 (50-68) points. After 3 months follow-up the mean Kitaoka score was up to 84 (80-90) points and at the 6-month follow-up up to 96 (94-100) points. The results showed a significant reduction of pain. Operative therapy should be considered in cases of failed conservative therapy.