Rupture of the Posterior Tibial Tendon Associated with Closed Ankle Fracture

Abstract

Rupture of the posterior tibial tendon has rarely been associated with closed ankle fractures. All previous cases have been in association with pronation-external rotation type fractures in which the medial malleolus has been fractured. This case represents the first such report of a severed posterior tibial tendon in the absence of a medial malleolar fracture and reemphasizes the importance of critically evaluating intraoperative radiographs following the open reduction and internal fixation of closed ankle fractures to assess the possibility of soft tissue interposition. In the event of an acute rupture of the posterior tibial tendon, the authors recommend primary tendon repair.