Contracture of Extensor Hallucis Longus Tendon Occurring after Intramedullary Nailing for a Tibial Fracture / 대한정형외과학회잡지

ABSTRACT

Toe deformities occurring after tibial shaft fracture can result from compartment syndrome or adhesion of muscle to tendon. Claw toes or checkrein deformity caused by injury of posterior compartment muscles has been reported relatively often. But, a deformity due to injury of the anterior compartment muscles is very rare. We observed the two cases of an extension deformity at the metatarsophalangeal joint of the hallux following intramedullary nailing of a tibial shaft fracture. There was no evidence of compartment syndrome. Extension deformity of the hallux was decreased with dorsiflexion of the ankle and increased with plantar flexion. Contracture of the extensor hallucis longus tendon was diagnosed, and Z-lengthening of that tendon was performed. Satisfactory results were obtained without a recurrence of deformity. We report these rare cases of toe deformities occurring after a tibial shaft fracture, with a brief review of the literature.