Fracture-dislocation of the ankle with posterior tibial tendon entrapment within the tibiofibular interosseous space: a case report of a late diagnosis

Ankle fracture-dislocation with the interposition of the tibialis posterior tendon in the ankle syndesmosis and tibiotalar joint - A case report and systematic literature review

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

In rare cases of ankle fracture dislocation, PTT can be incarcerated in the ankle syndesmosis. We report a case of a patient who had a fracture-dislocation of the ankle with the interposition of PTT in the ankle syndesmosis and discuss a systematic review of injury mechanics, pathology, diagnosis, management, and outcomes of this injury.

CASE PRESENTATION

I reported a 43-year-old patient presented with an irreducible lateral displacement of the talus after ORIF of the malleolar ankle fractures and fixation of ankle syndesmosis. Subsequent open reduction and surgical management revealed an interposition of PTT in the syndesmosis 1- month post-operative. A systematic review was completed afterward with the following terms: "ankle fracture" OR "ankle dislocation" AND "tibialis posterior tendon interposition" OR "tibialis posterior tendon entrapment" OR "tibialis posterior tendon incarceration" on Medline, ScienceDirect, and Ovid for articles between 1970 and 2022.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

5 months postoperative, the patient reported no pain and became capable of walking without a steppage gait. The systematic review showed that the entrapment of PTT could be concurrent with FHL, FDL, and tibial neurovascular. It usually occurs in patients with pronation/eversion injury, Weber C ankle fracture with a valgus deformity and a syndesmosis diastasis.

CONCLUSION

The PTT entrapment usually occurs in patients with pronation/eversion injury, Weber C ankle fracture, a valgus deformity, a syndesmosis diastasis. The entrapment of PTT could be concurrent with FHL, FDL, and tibial neurovascular. The tibiofibular syndesmosis and retromalleolar groove should be explored intraoperatively with suspicion of irreducible ankle fracture-dislocations.

Irreducible Ankle Fracture Dislocation Because of Tibialis Posterior and Flexor Digitorum Longus Tendon Entrapment in the Interosseous Membrane: A Case Report

CASE

We describe the case of a 63-year-old man with anterior ankle dislocation and fracture confirmed by x-ray. Postreduction x-ray and computed tomography (CT) revealed Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) type 44C3 and Lauge-Hansen pronation-external rotation-type ankle fractures.

CONCLUSION

This was a rare case of ankle fracture dislocation because of entrapment of the tibialis posterior and flexor digitorum longus tendons in the interosseous membrane. Tendon entrapment should be suspected in cases of high-energy injuries, Weber type C fractures, Lauge-Hansen pronation-external rotation fractures, syndesmosis widening, and irreducible fractures using manual closed reduction. Fractures and soft tissues should be evaluated by changing the CT settings.

Joint Preservation for Posttraumatic Ankle Arthritis After Tibial Plafond Fracture

Management of posttraumatic ankle arthritis due to tibial plafond fracture is technically demanding. The distal tibial plafond-plasty could be an alternative to preserve the ankle joint for young patients with limited ankle arthritis. The surgical principles are to realign the mechanical axis, reconstruct the articular surface of the distal tibial plafond, and achieve a congruent and stable ankle joint. In addition to the anteroposterior view of the ankle joint, the lateral view was also paramount for surgeons to fully evaluate the reduction quality. The revision procedures are as follows: osteotomy for exposure, articular surface reconstruction, bone grafting, and osteotomy fixation.

Irreducible Ankle Fracture Due to Incarceration of the Long Flexor Tendons Together With the Neurovascular Bundle in the Tibial Fibular Interosseous Space: A Case Report and Short Literature Review

Ankle fracture dislocations with frustrating attempts at closed reduction are a rare traumatic entity. We present a case of an irreducible ankle fracture due to incarceration of all the flexor tendons including the neurovascular bundle in the tibial fibular interosseous space; to date, only one such case has been published in the literature. A computed tomography scan in both bone and soft tissue windows was necessary to clarify the structures that were inhibiting repositioning. The decisive step for surgical treatment was removal of the trapped structures from the tibial fibular interosseous space by a dorsomedial approach. The malleolar joint was then reconstructed anatomically. After 12 weeks, the patient was fully mobile without restrictions in his daily professional activities.

Irreducible Fractures and Dislocations of the Ankle Associated With Entrapment of the Posterior Tibial Tendon Within the Tibiofibular Interosseous Space: A Case Series and Literature Review

Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.

Fracture dislocation of the ankle with posterior tibial tendon entrapment within the tibiofibular interosseous space: A case report

In rare cases of ankle fracture dislocation, the posterior tibial muscle tendon (TP tendon) is incarcerated between the tibia and fibula, thereby impeding reduction. Here we describe a case that presented with such a condition, in which ankle reduction was achieved and surgical repair of the incarcerated TP was delayed.

The subject was a 30-year-old male who sustained a fracture dislocation of the left ankle (AO:44-C1.3) in a motorbike accident. After repairing the ankle dislocation, external fixation was performed and osteosynthesis was conducted 10 days after the injury. Plate fixation for the fibula fracture and tight rope fixation for the separation between the tibia and fibula were performed; however, internal fixation for the medial malleolus fracture was delayed because the skin on the medial side of the ankle was in poor condition. One month after the injury, osteosynthesis of the medial malleolus was performed, and the TP tendon was identified in the fracture site. After removing the incarcerated tendon, good reduction of the medial malleolus was achieved, and thus, internal fixation and wound closure could be performed. Re-examination revealed that the TP tendon had an abnormal course. After 3 months, upon re-exposing the entire length of the TP tendon, the TP tendon was incarcerated between the tibia and fibula. To date, although several cases have been reported regarding TP tendon incarceration caused by fracture dislocation of the ankle, no study has reported the anatomical repair of the ankle, regardless of tendon incarceration. In our case, rotational displacement of the medial malleolus fracture remained when the second surgery was completed; however, the presence of some type of incarcerated tissue was suspected. Because leaving the incarcerated TP tendon untreated can cause irreversible long-term complications, early anatomical repair is recommended.

Irreducible ankle fracture dislocation due to posterior tibialis tendon interposition: Diagnostic and clues for early management – A case report

Irreducible fracture dislocation of the ankle is a rare condition. Multiple cases have been described throughout the literature. Different known etiologies involve the distal fibula, deltoïd ligament and tendons of the posteromedial malleolar region. More specifically, trapping of the Posterior tibialis tendon has been described at several levels from the inside of the ankle joint, through the syndesmosis and in some cases in the fibula tibial interosseous space depending on the energy of trauma. We hereafter propose a case report and a review of previous cases of posterior tibialis tendon dislocation proximally in the interosseous space of the lower leg. The aim of this review is to point out common features and clues for early management in order to avoid overlooking these rare lesions as they may lead to major functional impairment of the ankle joint.

Interposition of Tibialis Posterior and Flexor Digitorum Longus Tendons Resulted in Irreducible Ankle Fracture-Dislocation

Irreducible ankle fracture-dislocations are very rare entities. The present case report demonstrates an unusual finding of tibialis posterior and flexor digitorum longus tendons interposed in the tibiofibular joint impairing successful closed reduction of ankle fracture-dislocation. A 45-year-old patient presented with a bimalleolar pronation-external rotation ankle fracture-dislocation after a motorcycle accident. Attempts to perform closed reduction before surgery were unsuccessful. Subsequent urgent open reduction and internal fixation surgical management revealed interposition of the tibialis posterior and flexor digitorum longus tendons in the tibiofibular joint. In irreducible fracture-dislocation of the ankle with severe lateral displacement of the talus, one should be aware of the possibility of soft tissue interposition of the tibialis posterior and flexor digitorum longus tendons in the tibiofibular joint.

Computed Tomography Assessment of Peroneal Tendon Displacement and Posteromedial Structure Entrapment in Pilon Fractures

OBJECTIVES

To determine the proportion of (1) peroneal tendon displacement (PTD) and posteromedial structure entrapment (PMSE) cases in a sample of pilon fractures, (2) missed diagnoses of PTD and PMSE on computed tomography (CT) by radiologists and attending orthopaedic trauma surgeons, and PTD and PMSE cases by (3) OTA/AO classification, and (4) fibular fracture.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort review.

SETTING

Regional level 1 Trauma Center.

PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS

Two hundred patients treated between July 2008 and November 2014.

INTERVENTION

Axial and reconstructed CT images were used in bone and soft tissue windows to identify PTD and PMSE.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Medical charts were reviewed to identify OTA/AO fracture classification, the presence of concomitant fibular fracture, whether radiologist CT interpretation noted PTD or PMSE, and whether attending orthopaedic trauma surgeons' operative notes mentioned recognition of and management of PTD or PMSE.

RESULTS

From the retrospective review of CT, PTD was identified in 11.0% and PMSE in 19.0% of all pilon fractures. Of the 22 patients with PTD, 59.1% sustained a concomitant fibular fracture and 90.9% sustained a 43-C fracture. Patients with PTD sustained more 43-C fractures (90.9% vs. 62.9%) but significantly fewer fibular fractures (59.1% vs. 80.3%; P = 0.023) than patients without PTD. Of the 38 patients with PMSE, 81.6% sustained a fibular fracture and 86.8% sustained a 43-C fracture. PMSE was more common in patients with 43-C fractures (86.8% vs. 61.1%). The final preoperative radiologist CT interpretation commented on PTD and PMSE in 50.0% of cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher energy pilon fractures (43-C) are associated with higher incidence of PMSE and PTD. Concomitant fibula fracture may play a protective role in PTD in the setting of pilon fractures. Both attending radiologists and attending orthopaedic trauma surgeons frequently fail to recognize the diagnoses of PTD and PMSE.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Posterior tibial tendon displacement behind the tibia and its interposition in an irreducible isolated ankle dislocation: a case report and literature review

Isolated posteromedial ankle dislocation is a rare condition thanks to the highly congruent anatomical configuration of the ankle mortise, in which the medial and lateral malleoli greatly reduce the rotational movement of the talus, and the strength of the ligaments higher than the malleoli affords protection against fractures. However, other factors, like medial malleolus hypoplasia, laxity of the ligaments, peroneal muscle weakness and previous ankle sprains, could predispose to pure dislocation. In the absence of such factors, only a complex high-energy trauma, with a rotational component, can lead to this event. Irreducibility of an ankle dislocation, which is rarely encountered, can be due to soft tissue interposition. Dislocation of the posterior tibial tendon can be the cause of an irreducible talar dislocation; interposition of this tendon, found to have slid posteriorly to the distal tibia and then passed through the tibioperoneal syndesmosis, is reported in just a few cases of ankle fracture-dislocation.

Ultrasound Guidance in Performing a Tendoscopic Surgery to Treat Posterior Tibial Tendinitis: A Useful Tool?

A 25-year-old man with a pronation-external rotation type of fracture was surgically treated using a fibular plate. Five years later, he underwent resection of bone hyperplasia because of the ankle pain and limitation of range of motion. Thereafter, the left ankle became intermittently painful, which persisted for about one year. He presented at the age of 43 with persistent ankle pain. Physical and image analysis findings indicated a diagnosis of posttraumatic posterior tibial tendinitis, which we surgically treated using tendoscopy. Endoscopic findings showed tenosynovitis and fibrillation on the tendon surface. We cleaned and removed the synovium surrounding the tendon and deepened the posterior tibial tendon groove to allow sufficient space for the posterior tibial tendon. Full weight-bearing ambulation was permitted one day after surgery and he returned to his occupation in the construction industry six weeks after surgery. The medial aspect of the ankle was free of pain and symptoms at a review two years after surgery. Although tendoscopic surgery for stage 1 posterior tibial tendon dysfunction has been reported, tendoscopic surgery to treat posttraumatic posterior tibial tendinitis has not. Our experience with this patient showed that tendoscopic surgery is useful not only for stage 1 posterior tibial dysfunction, but also for posttraumatic posterior tibial tendinitis.

A radiological sign (which we are calling the 'tongues of flame' sign) in irreducible trimalleolar fractures of the ankle

BACKGROUND

The irreducible trimalleolar fracture case we describe is different from the Bosworth fracture, defined as a fixed posterior fracture-dislocation of the distal part of the fibula, in which the proximal fibular shaft fragment locks behind posterior tibial tubercle. This fracture is frequently irreducible by closed means as well.

METHODS

We describe a rare case of trimalleolar fracture/dislocation that cannot be reduced by closed means, and review the relevant literature.

RESULTS

The peroneal tendons were entrapped in a triangle between a postero-lateral displaced distal fibular fragment and a lateral displaced posterior malleolar (PM) fragment, and a proximal fragment of a Weber B fibular fracture. Intra-operative findings have proved that as soon as the peroneal tendons are disengaged from the triangle, the PM and fibular fractures can be easily reduced under direct vision (surgery). After the review of another 50 trimalleolar ankle fractures we describe a new radiographic sign, seen in the lateral radiographic view, with bony spikes from the distal fibular fragment posterior to the PM fragment, which we are calling the 'tongues of flame' sign. This feature was not noted on the radiographs of the other 50 trimalleolar fracture cases seen in our hospital.

CONCLUSION

The presence of this 'tongues of flame' sign should alert the treating surgeon to a possible irreducible ankle fracture/dislocation, which may need urgent attention for surgical management.

Medial malleolus fracture of the ankle combined with rupture of the Achilles tendon

A 59-year-old man fell off a 60-cm-high step, with his ankle in a twisted position, and sustained a closed fracture of the medial malleolus, with an ipsilateral complete Achilles tendon (TA) rupture. The TA rupture was initially missed but diagnosed by ultrasound examination, 2 weeks post-operatively. The ankle fracture was diagnosed from routine radiographs. Such a combination of injuries has been reported infrequently in the literature, but significant similarities have been described in the mechanism of injury and fracture patterns. Nevertheless, three of five reported cases with combined medial malleolus fractures were initially misdiagnosed.

Unilateral Adolescent Pes Planus After a Bimalleolar Ankle Fracture: A Case Report

We present the case of a 14-year-old female who presented with unilateral pes planus 30 months after a bimalleolar ankle fracture dislocation. At surgery, the tibialis posterior tendon was encased in fracture callus within the syndesmosis and required reconstruction using flexor digitorum longus transfer. Dislocation of the tibialis posterior tendon and entrapment within the tibiofibular syndesmosis has been previously reported. To our knowledge, this is the first case report tibialis posterior tendon syndesmotic entrapment presenting with unilateral pes planus.

Entrapped posteromedial structures in pilon fractures

OBJECTIVES

To analyze a patient cohort who sustained a tibial pilon fracture and report the incidence of interposed posteromedial soft tissue structures.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort review.

SETTING

Regional Level 1 Trauma Center.

PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS

About 394 patients with 420 pilon fractures treated between January 2005 and November 2011.

INTERVENTION

Each patient's preoperative radiographs and computed tomography (CT) images were reviewed. The axial and reconstructed images were used in bone and soft tissue windows to identify any posteromedial soft tissue structures incarcerated within the fracture.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Medical charts reviewed for the presence of preoperative neurologic deficit, separate posteromedial incision, and whether attending radiology CT interpretation noted the interposed structure.

RESULTS

40 patients with 40 fractures (9.5%) had an entrapped posteromedial structure. The tibialis posterior tendon was interposed in 38/40 fractures (95%) and the posterior tibial neurovascular bundle in 4/40 fractures (10%). Preoperative neurologic deficit occurred in 5/40 patients (12%). A posteromedial incision was used in 11/40 fractures (27%). The attending radiology CT interpretation noted the interposed structure in 8/40 fractures (20%).

CONCLUSIONS

In addition to the osseous injuries, CT imaging can demonstrate the posteromedial soft tissue structures. In our series, the tibialis posterior tendon was commonly incarcerated. In some cases, removal of the entrapped structure(s) may not be possible through the more commonly used anterolateral and anteromedial surgical approaches, and a separate posteromedial exposure may be required. Failure to recognize the presence of an interposed structure could lead to malreduction, impaired tendon function, neurovascular insult, and the need for further surgery.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Irreducible Fracture-Dislocation of the Ankle Associated With Interposition of the Tibialis Posterior Tendon in the Syndesmosis: A Case Report

Although ankle fracture-dislocations are common orthopedic injuries, it is very uncommon for them to be irreducible, and such cases require special attention. We report the case of a closed fracture-dislocation of the ankle in a 17-year-old male that required 3 surgeries because of persistent anterior subluxation of the talus on the postoperative radiographs. After advanced radiologic investigations, tibialis posterior tendon interposition in the syndesmosis was identified as the cause of the subluxation. This is a very rare event, reported in only 5 patients in published studies. Once the diagnosis was identified by magnetic resonance imaging, the tendon was relocated to its anatomic position, and the tibiofibular and tibiotalar joints were reduced adequately. The patient was then able to regain a satisfactory level of function many months after the initial trauma.

CT assessment of the prevalence of retinacular injuries associated with hindfoot fractures

OBJECTIVE

To determine the incidence of injuries to the flexor and peroneal retinacula in hindfoot fractures as demonstrated on ankle computed tomography (CT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Study patients were identified via review of CT records at a single institution. CT scans were retrospectively reviewed and compared with surgical reports.

RESULTS

Hindfoot fractures undergoing CT showed flexor retinacular injuries in 23.7% of cases and peroneal retinacular injuries in 10.2%. The posterior tibial tendon was partly torn in 4.2% of cases, and entrapped between fracture fragments in 16.1%. The peroneal tendon was rarely injured, being entrapped in 1.7% of cases. Pilon, distal tibial shaft, malleolar, talar, and calcaneal fractures were all associated with retinacular injuries. CT findings correlated well with surgical findings; there were no false-positive CT findings, and only 1 false-negative finding, a posterior tibial tendon that was entrapped at surgery, but in a normal position on the CT.

CONCLUSIONS

Retinacular injuries are commonly demonstrated on CT in patients with ankle fractures. The contribution of these injuries to fracture outcomes is unknown.

Bivalved fiberglass cast compared with plaster splint immobilization for initial management of ankle fracture-dislocations: a treatment algorithm

The initial management of ankle fracture-dislocations is the crucial step in the treatment of these emergent traumatic injuries. A stepwise approach is necessary to properly evaluate, diagnose, and treat ankle fracture-dislocations. The goal of initial management is to evaluate the vascular status of the extremity and then restore proper alignment of the talus underneath the tibia. A retrospective review was performed on 40 patients, who presented to a community-based hospital emergency room, treated by the foot and ankle service for ankle fracture-dislocation. An analysis of patient demographics, injury pattern/classification, number of reduction attempts, and immobilization method was performed and evaluated. This analysis was correlated with a review of the literature to develop an algorithm for the initial management of ankle fracture-dislocations recommending the use of a bivalved below-the-knee fiberglass cast for maintained stabilization post reduction.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level IV.

Irreducible Salter Harris type II distal tibial physeal fracture secondary to interposition of the posterior tibial tendon: a case report

Pediatric distal tibial fractures generally occur without significant long-term sequelae, and patients are commonly able to return to their preinjury activities after proper management. The literature reports excellent outcomes after anatomical reduction of distal tibial and ankle physeal fractures with closed or open treatment. Treatment options include simple immobilization of nondisplaced fractures, and closed or open reduction for restoration of anatomic alignment of displaced fractures. Soft tissue interposition within the fracture can threaten successful closed reduction, and may warrant open management if closed reduction fails to produce a satisfactory result. Despite the documented possibility of soft tissue interposition preventing closed reduction of pediatric ankle fractures, there is a paucity of literature reporting this complication. We report a unique case of an irreducible Salter-Harris type II distal tibial physeal fracture secondary to interposition of the posterior tibial tendon.

Irreducible fracture-dislocation of the ankle caused by an entrapped medial malleolus at the syndesmosis

A 55-year-old fisherman sustained an unusual and irreducible fracture-dislocation of the ankle joint. An entrapped medial malleolar fragment was discovered by computed tomography between the distal tibia and lateral malleolus. The fragment was removed during an emergent open reduction, during which deltoid ligament repair and internal fixation of the bimalleolar fracture were undertaken. At the 18-month follow-up visit, the patient was working normally and was asymptomatic. At previous visits, he demonstrated a full range of ankle motion and had normal radiograph.

Fracture of the ankle associated with rupture of the Achilles tendon: case report and review of the literature

SUMMARY

A thirty-five-year-old man fell two meters from a ladder and sustained a closed fracture of the medial malleolus with an ipsilateral complete Achilles tendon rupture. The Achilles tendon rupture was diagnosed by means of the patient's complaints and physical findings. The ankle fracture was diagnosed incidentally on routine radiographs. Such a combination of injuries has been reported infrequently in the literature, and striking similarities have been described in the mechanism of injury and fracture pattern. Remarkably, in three of four reports the combined injury was initially misdiagnosed.

Fibular nonunion and equinovarus deformity secondary to posterior tibial tendon incarceration in the syndesmosis: a case report after a bimalleolar fracture-dislocation

A 39-year-old woman sustained a grade II open bimalleolar fracture-dislocation of the left ankle. Six months after an ORIF of these fractures was performed, she presented with a nonunion of the distal fibula fracture and with a fixed hindfoot equinovarus and forefoot adduction deformity. At surgery for repair of the fibular nonunion, the posterior tibial tendon (PTT) was found to be entrapped in the posterior tibiotalar joint, with a portion of the tendon interposed between the tibia and the fibula in the area of the posterior syndesmosis. After extrication of the PTT, the hindfoot varus and forefoot adduction deformity were corrected. To our knowledge, this is the first case report in the English literature of a missed PTT syndesmotic entrapment that resulted in a fibular nonunion and in a fixed foot deformity after an open bimalleolar ankle fracture dislocation.