Tibialis Anterior Tendon Ruptures

Ruptures of the tibialis anterior tendon are uncommon but will typically present after an acute injury or as either an acute or chronic foot drop. In the setting of an acute injury, the injury mechanism is typically blunt tendon trauma or laceration. Acute ruptures of a healthy tendon are rare. Atraumatic ruptures tend to occur in older individuals with underlying chronic tendinopathy. Those patients with diabetes mellitus, inflammatory arthropathy, or gout, or who are undergoing treatment with corticosteroids, are at higher risk for spontaneous ruptures. A minor traumatic event may involve an eccentric load applied to a plantar-flexed ankle.