MR imaging of dislocation of the posterior tibial tendon

Ankle Instability Update

Sprains are the most frequent injuries of the ankle, especially in sports. Up to 85% of cases affect the lateral ligament complex. Multi-ligament injuries with associated lesions of the external complex, deltoid, syndesmosis, and sinus tarsi ligaments are also common. Most ankle sprains respond to conservative treatment. However, up to 20 to 30% of patients can develop chronic ankle pain and instability.New concepts have been recently developed, based on arthroscopic advances, such as microinstability and rotatory ankle instability. These entities could be precursors of mechanical ankle instability and at the origin of frequently associated ankle injuries, such as peroneus tendon lesions, impingement syndromes, or osteochondral lesions.Imaging methods, especially magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and MR arthrography, are key in precisely diagnosing ligament lesions and associated injuries, facilitating an adequate therapeutic approach.

Posterior Tibial Tendon Dislocation: A Case Report

Isolated posterior tibial tendon dislocation is a rare condition. Diagnosis can be challenging, especially in the acute clinical setting. Predisposing factors include shallow posterior tibial tendon groove and tear of the flexor retinaculum. We report the case of traumatic subluxation of the posterior tibial tendon, illustrating imaging findings and surgical technique. Posterior tibial tendon dislocation was detected using dynamic ultrasound, while magnetic resonance was essential for a comprehensive evaluation that included underlying predisposing anatomic abnormalities and associated pathologic conditions. Conservative treatment is often unsuccessful thus surgical approach was needed. Under ampliscopic guidance, a bone tunnel was created behind the retromalleolar groove. The posterior tibial tendon was located into the new groove and the retinaculum was re-attached and tightened by anchors and absorbable sutures at the anterior margin of the sulcus. At 12-month follow-up, the patient did not complain any residual pain and he was able to perform normal daily activities without any limitations and with no further tendon dislocations.

Tibialis Posterior Tendon Dislocation: A Case Report

CASE

A 37-year-old man presented after a sudden snap followed by pain in the medial side of the ankle while playing football. Physical examination showed edema and pain posteriorly to the medial malleolus, and a longitudinal structure was palpable anteriorly. Ultrasound confirmed a dislocated tibialis posterior tendon (TPT). The patient underwent surgery, and the flexor retinaculum was repaired. Six months after the surgery, he was asymptomatic and had resumed his usual physical activity, with an AOFAS score of 100.

CONCLUSION

TPT dislocation is rare and orthopaedic surgeons should be aware of this condition in patients with a sudden traumatic medial ankle pain.

Sonographic and radiographic findings of posterior tibial tendon dysfunction: a practical step forward

The purpose of this article is to describe the sonographic and radiographic findings in the diagnosis and treatment of posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. Ultrasound and radiographs play a crucial role in the diagnosis of posterior tibial tendon dysfunction and in imaging the postoperative changes related to posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. Early detection and diagnosis of posterior tibial tendon dysfunction is important in helping to prevent further progression of disease, obviating the need for more invasive and complex procedures.

Tibialis Posterior Tendon Dislocation: A Review and Suggested Classification

Tibialis posterior tendon dislocation is a rarely described entity that is easily missed, resulting in delayed diagnosis and treatment. A review of the English published data on the topic showed inconsistency in the reporting of injuries and surgical management techniques, leading us to describe a novel classification system to guide treatment and future reporting. We also describe a case of tibialis posterior tendon dislocation in a professional volleyball player and our surgical technique for correction, including retromalleolar groove deepening.

Unilateral Dislocation of the Posterior Tibialis Tendon (PTT) and Flexor Digitorum Longus Tendon With Contralateral PTT Subluxation in a Patient With Congenitally Shallow Flexor Groove

INTRODUCTION

Flexor tendon dislocation from the flexor tendon groove posterior of the medial malleolus has been previously described, and may be difficult to diagnose initially, but is amendable to surgical treatment with good outcomes. We present a unique case of unilateral dislocation of the posterior tibialis and flexor digitorum longus tendons with contralateral flexor digitorum longus subluxation that was treated surgically with a good outcome.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 37-year-old active duty male sustained a dislocation and subluxation of the flexor tendons bilaterally after a forced dorsiflexion injury. Bilateral ankle magnetic resonance imaging revealed the injuries that this patient sustained and aided in surgical planning. Surgical Treatment. Bilateral flexor tendon groove deepening with periosteal flap elevation and retinacular repair.

DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION

This injury has not been previously described in the literature after a forced dorsiflexion mechanism. Advanced imaging is helpful as this injury may be initially misdiagnosed. This case shows that delayed bilateral reconstruction of the flexor tendon grooves and retinacula are reliable methods for pain relief to allow a patient to return to a physically demanding level of function.

LEVELS OF EVIDENCE

Level V.

MR imaging as a problem solving tool in posterior ankle pain: A review

Posterior ankle pain is a cause of chronic pain and disability, afflicting a wide range of individuals. While proper identification of the cause is essential for timely and adequate treatment, identifying the cause and excluding mimickers is often challenging for the physician due to the complex nature of the joint. In addition, pathology that can cause posterior ankle pain may occur on their own or in co-existence. Clinical conditions that can present as posterior ankle pain include: posterior ankle impingement, Achilles tendon pathology, medial flexor tendon pathology, peroneal pathology, retrocalcaneal bursitis, posterior subtalar tarsal coalition, sinus tarsi, and tarsal tunnel syndrome. In this review we introduce current concepts of pathophysiology in the main conditions involved in posterior ankle pain, and review the role of MR in the diagnosis and management of each condition. When pathology can be detected earlier and with more specificity, appropriate and time-sensitive treatment can be commenced, thus improving clinical outcomes.

Dislocated Posterior Tibial Tendon Treated With Plate Buttress Fixation in a Collegiate Gymnast: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Dislocation of the posterior tibial tendon (PTT) is a rare pathological process that occurs most often as a result of acute trauma. The injury involves forced dorsiflexion and eversion of the foot against a contracted posterior tibialis. Diagnosis of the injury is often difficult secondary to the rarity of the injury and its similarity with other benign injuries of the medial ankle. Routine diagnostic imaging often does not reveal the injury, and advanced imaging with magnetic resonance imaging or ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis is often required. The injury can be a result of an abnormal retromalleolar groove or a tear of the flexor retinaculum. Because nonoperative treatment frequently results in poor outcomes with continuing pain and progressive flat foot, operative treatment with repair of the flexor retinaculum with correction of the retromalleolar groove is the most described intervention. We report an acute case of PTT dislocation in a collegiate gymnast during competition and offer our technique for surgical correction in the setting of a partially torn, attenuated flexor retinaculum with plate buttressing of the PTT into its native uncorrected groove.

LEVELS OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, Level IV: Case study.

Traumatic dislocation of posterior tibial tendon by avulsion of flexor retinacular release. Reconstruction with suture anchors

INTRODUCTION

Traumatic dislocation of the posterior tibial tendon (PTT) has a very low prevalence. It presents with pain and recurrent snapping on the posterior side of the medial malleolus after an ankle sprain while practicing sports. The diagnosis is based on clinical examination, supported by imaging techniques. The treatment must be always surgical.

CASE REPORT

A 28 year old man sprained ankle his ankle while jogging. He was treated in an emergency department with an elastic bandage. Once he recovered, he went back to running, noticing a projection with ankle pain. In the physical examination the PTT was reproduced with inversion maneuvers and forced dorsiflexion. Ultrasound and MRI were performed on the ankle. The patient was operated on, leaving a stable ankle with no projection. Three months later he had no pain and restarted his physical activities.

CONCLUSION

Surgical treatment of PTT dislocation by re-anchoring the flexor retinacula provides an excellent functional outcome.

Isolated dislocation of the posterior tibial tendon in an amateur snowboarder: a case report

Isolated dislocation of the posterior tibial tendon is an uncommon pathologic entity that typically occurs in the setting of acute trauma. The diagnosis remains challenging and is often delayed second to the rarity of the injury and symptoms similar to that of medial ankle sprains and other routinely diagnosed injuries about the ankle. The factors that predispose this tendon to dislocation include a hypoplastic retromalleolar groove, flexor retinaculum insufficiency, chronic repetitive trauma, and a structural abnormality from a previous medial malleolar fracture, or a combination thereof. Dislocation has also been cited as a complication of multiple local steroid injections and tarsal tunnel release. The mechanism of injury appears to involve forced dorsiflexion and eversion of the ankle when the posterior tibial tendon is contracted. Most cases do not respond well to conservative treatment and will require surgery to restore function and eliminate symptoms. We report a case of posterior tibial tendon dislocation related to a snowboarding injury and offer our technique for surgical correction.

The unexpected with ankle fracture: traumatic tibialis posterior tendon dislocation: a case report and literature review

Traumatic dislocation of tibialis posterior is infrequently reported in the literature. It is rare but potential cause of persistent pain that can be easily missed. Concomitant ankle fracture may obscure the clinical picture and if unsuspected, consequences such as iatrogenic injury to tibialis posterior tendon while fixing the medial malleolus may occur. We report our experience in the management of a tibialis posterior tendon dislocation associated with ankle fracture. A review of all English literature had been carried with a focus on treatment options.

Tibialis posterior tendon and deltoid and spring ligament injuries in the elite athlete

The tibialis posterior tendon and the spring and deltoid ligament complexes combine to provide dynamic and passive stabilization on the medial side of the ankle and hindfoot. Some of the injuries will involve acute injury to previous healthy structures, but many will develop insidiously. The clinician must be aware of new treatment strategies and the level of accompanying scientific evidence regarding injuries sustained by athletes in these areas, while acknowledging that more traditional management applied to nonathletic patients is still likely to be appropriate in the setting of treatment for elite athletes.

Prevalence of and factors associated with posterior tibial tendon pathology on sonographic assessment

OBJECTIVE

To assess the frequency of and factors associated with supramalleolar posterior tibial tendon (PTT) pathology that often may be missed on sonography because of the limited field of view of ultrasound.

DESIGN

Retrospective cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Large academic center.

PATIENTS

Patients with medial ankle pain and tenderness and with normal radiographs who presented for sonographic assessment (n = 217).

METHODS

Two experienced musculoskeletal radiologists interpreted the studies by consensus.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENT

PTT pathology.

RESULTS

Of the 217 patients, 33.2% had grade 1 PTT pathology (n = 72), 14.3% had grade 2 pathology (n = 31), and 2.8% had grade 3 pathology (n = 6). When stratified by location, 29.0% of patients (n = 63) had inframalleolar abnormalities, 11.5% had retromalleolar pathology (n = 25), and 11 patients had supramalleolar pathology (5.1%). Four patients had PTT subluxation or dislocation. Age was significantly associated with PTT pathology (P = .02). A higher proportion of patients with supramalleolar (81.8%) and retromalleolar (72.0%) PTT pathology were women compared with patients who had inframalleolar (57.1%) PTT pathology. A higher proportion of patients with supramalleolar and retromalleolar PTT pathology had grade 2 tears compared with those with inframalleolar PTT pathology (36.4% for supramalleolar, 44.0% for retromalleolar, and 22.2% for inframalleolar pathology).

CONCLUSIONS

We present one of the largest studies on PTT pathology. PTT pathology can occur in the supramalleolar area, a region that often is not assessed on imaging. Although data are unavailable with regard to whether the natural history of supramalleolar PTT is different from that of other regions, patients with supramalleolar PTT pathology had more severe grades of tear and increased prevalence of tenosynovitis and were more often women. It is essential to recognize supramalleolar PTT pathology so that consequences of nontreatment such as medial arch collapse can be prevented.

Tibialis posterior tendon dislocation: a case report

Dislocation of the posterior tibial tendon is a rare event, which may occur after trauma particularly sporting accidents. These injuries are frequently misdiagnosed at the initial presentation leading to a delay in treatment. We describe a case of delayed presentation of an atraumatic dislocation of the posterior tibial tendon which was diagnosed accurately and managed with primary repair of the flexor retinaculum.

Dislocation of the tibialis posterior tendon treated with autogenous bone block: a case report

Level of Evidence: V, Expert Opinion

3T magnetic resonance imaging of ankle and hindfoot tendon pathology

Ankle tendon pathology is relatively common in the active adult population. Magnetic resonance imaging is often the preferred advanced imaging option for the evaluation of tendon pathology of the hindfoot and ankle. The almost linear increase in signal-to-noise ratio provided by higher field strength imaging allows for improved image resolution and decreased scan times. Newer systems with faster gradients allow for optimal fast spin-echo imaging with lower echo spacing for longer echo train lengths and minimal image blurring. The ability to comfortably scan the ankle within the magnet isocenter using high-field strength-compatible extremity coils further maximizes the image resolution. It is imperative for the radiologist to be aware of necessary protocol adjustments and potential imaging artifacts unique to high-field strength imaging of the ankle. Our review outlines high-field strength magnetic resonance imaging technique and artifacts and also details the specifics of our own methods of ankle imaging.

MR imaging of tendon, ligament, and osseous abnormalities of the ankle and hindfoot

This article serves as an overview of the pathologic processes that are seen in the foot and ankle. MRI can play a pivotal role in making precise diagnoses and then guiding treatment decisions. MRI can be extremely helpful in determining response to therapy.

Visualization of ankle tendons and ligaments with MR imaging: influence of passive positioning

PURPOSE

To determine if passive positioning of the ankle influences the MR imaging appearance of ankle tendons and ligaments.

METHODS

A positioning device was used during imaging of 10 volunteers. Axial and coronal T1-weighted images were acquired in six positions of the ankle, and the appearance of the tendons and lateral ligaments was subjectively evaluated.

RESULTS

The peroneus longus (PL), peroneus brevis (PB), anterior tibialis (AT), extensor digitorum longus (EDL), and extensor hallucis longus (EHL) tendons were best visualized in 20 degrees of plantarflexion and 20 degrees of inversion (p < 0.0001). The anterior talofibular (ATF) and calcaneofibular (CF) ligaments were best seen in 20 degrees of plantarflexion (p < 0.0001). Ten degrees of dorsiflexion was the least useful imaging plane for all of the aforementioned structures.

CONCLUSION

When there is clinical concern regarding pathology of a specific structure about the ankle, passive positioning may allow optimal evaluation.

From the RSNA Refresher Courses. Radiological Society of North America. MR imaging of the ankle and foot

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging has opened new horizons in the diagnosis and treatment of many musculoskeletal diseases of the ankle and foot. It demonstrates abnormalities in the bones and soft tissues before they become evident at other imaging modalities. The exquisite soft-tissue contrast resolution, noninvasive nature, and multiplanar capabilities of MR imaging make it especially valuable for the detection and assessment of a variety of soft-tissue disorders of the ligaments (eg, sprain), tendons (tendinosis, peritendinosis, tenosynovitis, entrapment, rupture, dislocation), and other soft-tissue structures (eg, anterolateral impingement syndrome, sinus tarsi syndrome, compressive neuropathies [eg, tarsal tunnel syndrome, Morton neuroma], synovial disorders). MR imaging has also been shown to be highly sensitive in the detection and staging of a number of musculoskeletal infections including cellulitis, soft-tissue abscesses, and osteomyelitis. In addition, MR imaging is excellent for the early detection and assessment of a number of osseous abnormalities such as bone contusions, stress and insufficiency fractures, osteochondral fractures, osteonecrosis, and transient bone marrow edema. MR imaging is increasingly being recognized as the modality of choice for assessment of pathologic conditions of the ankle and foot.

Foot and ankle sonography

Sonography of the foot and ankle offers many advantages. Currently, sonographic evaluation rivals or exceeds MR imaging for evaluation of tendons, joint and bursal pathology, and specific soft tissue pathology. The advantages of sonographic evaluation provide a strong impetus for applying this modality to imaging of foot and ankle pathology. Those who accept the challenge will have an expanded repertoire to offer in the pursuit of efficient and effective patient care.