Unusual clinical presentation of a partial tibialis anterior rupture

Subcutaneous rupture of the tibialis anterior tendon is rare. Diagnosis is usually clear. The essential clinical symptoms are progressively: footdrop gait, loss of ankle flexion strength, ankle foot pain and claw toes. But the occurrence of an asymptomatic time period between the injury and the onset of clinical signs can make the diagnosis more difficult. MRI is the gold standard examination for tendons injuries and associated bone and joints damages. Surgical exploration confirms MRI findings. It constitutes the treatment of choice for tibialis anterior tendon rupture. Surgical or functional techniques used have an impact on the design of the rehabilitation program, essential step in the care management of these injuries. It avoids postoperative tendon adhesions and their functional consequences. We report here a case of a man presenting with footdrop gait as the only clinical symptom. © 2011 Elsevier Masson SAS.