Closed Rupture of Anterior Tibialis Tendon after Minor Injury without Medical History: A Surgical Repair

INTRODUCTION: Closed rupture of the anterior tibial tendon is uncommon, with only a few cases being documented in literature. It usually happens in the forceful plantar flexion of the foot while in eversion and the simultaneous contraction of the anterior tibialis muscle. CARE REPORT: We present the case of a 65-year-old man with closed rupture of the tibialis anterior tendon after injury who was treated by primary surgical repair. The surgical technique as well as the rehabilitation protocol are described in detail. CONCLUSION: Primary surgical reconstruction repair is indicated in younger, active individuals. It appears that early diagnosis and treatment provides the best clinical results, while delayed treatment usually requires the use of a tendon graft in combination with tendon transfers, giving inferior results compared to primary tendon repair.