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.