Stenosing tenosynovitis of the flexor hallucis longus tendon at the great toe

The purpose of this paper is to call attention to the previously overlooked entity, stenosing tenosynovitis of the flexor hallucis longus tendon in the sesamoid area of the great toe. Nine patients have been tabulated and successfully treated during the past 4 years, with an average 2 1/2-year follow-up. Trauma seems to be the causative factor. Five cases had accompanying pathology. Three cases responded to inflation of the tendon sheath with 1% lidocaine anesthesia, but the remainder required tenolysis of the sheath plus surgery to the accompanying pathology for relief. Early recognition of this problem and prompt inflation with lidocaine may be the only required treatment if this is the only entity. Chronic cases will respond to tenolysis. A plantar full visualization surgical approach is recommended.