Traumatic Rupture of Tibialis Posterior and Flexor Digitorum Longus in an Isolated Medial Malleolus Fracture: A Case
Eleftherios L Halkias1, Martin Weaver1, Simarjeet Puri1
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Henry Ford Providence Hospital, Southfield, Michigan.
Case:
A 78-year-old man with type 2 diabetes and spinal stenosis complicated by chronic neuropathy suffered an open medial malleolus fracture with proximal tendon rupture after fall from height. Fracture fixation was achieved with cannulated screws. Meticulous repair of the proximal tibialis posterior and flexor digitorum longus tendon avulsions required tunneling into the deep posterior compartment. Postoperatively, the patient was non-weight bearing, responsive to therapy, and discharged home.
Conclusion:
This unique case illustrates the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for tendinous injury. A careful physical examination, understanding of injury mechanisms, and a high index of suspicion for these associated injuries should be maintained to maximize patient outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
Traumatic Memory
Data Reporting and Recording
Fractures: Bone Repair
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are treated by immobilizing the fractured bone using a cast or splint. However, in the case of fractures with displaced bones, the broken bones are repositioned before immobilization to ensure successful healing without deformation and loss of function. The realignment of fractured bone ends is performed through a process called reduction. If the...
Types of Reports I: Hands-off Report
Following are the key components and categories of hand-off reports:
Purpose and Process:
Types of Reports II: Incident or Occurrence Report
Purposes:
In the healthcare industry, reports play a crucial role in documenting incidents within an agency. The primary objective of these reports is to ensure patient safety, uphold the...
Cranial Bones: Superior and Posterior View
The frontal bone is the single bone that forms the forehead. At its anterior midline, between the eyebrows, there is a slight depression called the glabella. The frontal bone also forms the supraorbital margin of the orbit. Near the middle of this margin is the supraorbital foramen, the opening that provides passage for a sensory nerve to the forehead. The frontal bone is thickened just above each supraorbital margin,...


