[Hidden posterior tibial tendon dislocation after ankle sprain: case report]

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Trauma Care
• Sports Medicine

Background:

• Posterior tibial tendon dislocation is an uncommon injury, often overlooked in clinical settings.
• High-energy trauma, such as traffic accidents, can cause this condition.
• Prompt diagnosis is crucial for effective management.

Observation:

• A 31-year-old male with no prior medical history sustained a posterior tibial tendon dislocation after a high-energy traffic accident.
• The injury initially went unnoticed.
• An early diagnosis facilitated timely intervention.

Findings:

• Primary repair of the flexor retinaculum was performed, achieving anatomical reduction of the posterior tibial tendon.
• The patient successfully resumed sports activities within three months post-injury.
• Excellent functional recovery was noted.

Implications:

• Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for posterior tibial tendon dislocation in cases of high-energy trauma and ankle sprains.
• Surgical management of this injury yields favorable functional results.
• Early diagnosis and treatment are key to successful patient outcomes and return to pre-injury activity levels.