title: [The operative treatment of the degenerative rupture of the anterior tibialis tendon].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  A degenerative tear of the anterior tibial tendon is a rare event compared to other tendons. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the functional results after surgical refixation.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a retrospective study, we report the functional outcome of five consecutive operatively treated patients suffering from a tear close to the insertion site of the anterior tibial tendon. All patients were assessed postoperatively, the AOFAS and Richter scores were obtained and the range of motion in the ankle joint was evaluated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Preoperatively all patients presented with a significant walking impairment due to a reduced active dorsiflexion, so the decision for surgical refixation was made. In all cases an MRI scan was performed preoperatively. Postoperative immobilisation without weight-bearing was done for six weeks. All patients returned to their former activity level, were satisfied with the postoperative result and had a normal gait in the follow-up examination. The range of motion was equal on both sides, the median AOFAS score was 86 and the median Richter score was 90 out of 100. There were no postoperative complications.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Untreated tears of the anterior tibial tendon lead to significant impairment of the ankle joint and deformities of the foot. There is no consensus about the treatment with recommendations for operative and non-operative treatment. Various surgical procedures have been described. The surgical reconstruction of the tendon leads to a restored function of the ankle joint and allows a normal gait and is therefore desirable. Due to the loss of function and the good results after surgical treatment in our study, the non-operative treatment is not advisable.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Surgical repair of degenerative tears of the anterior tibial tendon leads to very good functional results and high patient satisfaction.
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Unfall- und Handchirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Düsseldorf.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Schneppendahl
authors.forename: S V
authors.initials: SV
authors.lastname: Gehrmann
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Stosberg
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Regenbrecht
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Windolf
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wild
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001178:Arthroplasty / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007718:Knee Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012421:Rupture / Q000473:pathology; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult