title: Open and subcutaneous recent tibialis anterior tendon ruptures: does postoperative immobilization method influence outcome?
abstract: We report on seven traumatic lesions of the tibialis anterior tendon (one subcutaneous rupture and six open tears) in seven injured patients of mean age 45 years [17-79] all managed by direct suture and immobilization either using a cast boot (four cases) or a lower leg external fixator (three cases). After a mean follow-up of 31 months (6-50), external fixation achieved favourable clinical results with no specific complication. External fixation improves the conditions for suture efficiency, provides full immobilization and facilitates wound care in patients at a high risk of developing cutaneous complications. In accordance with data published in the literature, immobilization by means of a windowed cast boot achieved satisfactory results in patients with no risk factors. This method compatible with early mobilization avoids placement of a posterior splint which could induce slackening and weakening of tendon repair.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective study (Level IV).
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Rouen University, Rouen University Hospital Center, 1, rue de Germont, 76031 Rouen cedex, France.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Lefebvre
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Beldame
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bertiaux
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Biga
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002370:Casts, Surgical; D016267:External Fixators; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007103:Immobilization / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012421:Rupture; D013536:Suture Techniques; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000601:surgery*