Dislocation of the tibialis posterior tendon: diagnosis and treatment

J Foot Ankle Surg. 1997 Jan-Feb;36(1):63-5. doi: 10.1016/s1067-2516(97)80013-0.

Abstract

Traumatic dislocation of the tibialis tendon occurred from minor ankle sprains in a 37-year-old male and a 53-year-old female. Both complained of local pain at the medial malleolus, and both walked with a limp. The diagnosis was suspected by clinical examination, in one case with 2 months' delay, and verified by ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. The male patient was initially treated for an "uncomplicated ankle sprain." For various reasons surgery was delayed 4 months. During this interval the male patient complained of pain and severe dysfunction, requiring analgesic treatment. A medial Achilles tendon flap was used to support the repositioned tendon. The female patient was operated on within 1 week from injury, by resuturing of the retinaculum over the tendon. Postoperatively, both patients were immobilized with below-knee casts for 6 weeks, allowing full weightbearing, followed by strength and stretching exercises. They were free of symptoms 2 and 3 months, respectively, after surgery. At follow-up 1 year postoperatively, both were asymptomatic and participated in activities like those before their injuries.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Ankle Injuries / complications
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Skating / injuries
  • Sprains and Strains / complications
  • Tendon Injuries / diagnosis*
  • Tendon Injuries / etiology
  • Tendon Injuries / surgery