Tibialis anterior tendinosis: Clinical characterization and surgical treatment

Outcomes of Platelet-Rich Plasma Infiltration and Weightbearing Cast Immobilization in Distal Tibialis Anterior Tendinopathy: A Prospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Distal tibialis anterior tendinopathy (DTAT) is a chronic condition that may lead to functional impairment and secondary forefoot deformities when left untreated. Current clinical practice is mainly guided by case reports and small retrospective case series; little consensus exists on which treatment protocol is most effective. This study aims to assess a conservative treatment for DTAT consisting of PRP infiltration and walking cast immobilization.

METHODS

This prospective study included 18 feet in 18 patients, recruited between September 2020 and September 2022 at a single institution. Ultrasonography was performed; leukocyte-poor PRP was infiltrated around the tibialis anterior tendon insertion. Walking cast immobilization was used for 3 weeks after infiltration, followed by eccentric exercises of the DTAT, and gastrocnemius-soleus muscle complex stretching. Clinical findings, visual analog scale (VAS), Foot Function Index (FFI), and American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) midfoot scores were recorded at inclusion, and 6 and 12 weeks after PRP infiltration. Minimal clinically important difference (MCID) limits were researched to assess clinical relevance of statistical outcomes. Means were determined for age, sex, and body mass index (BMI). One-way repeated measures ANOVA was performed over time for FFI, AOFAS, and VAS scores.

RESULTS

Mean age was 65 years with a mean BMI of 25. Tendon thickening and hypoechogenicity were the most commonly reported ultrasonographic findings. Significant improvement from baseline VAS (VASrest: 4.71 ± 2.7, VASactivity: 5.66 ± 2.5) to 12 weeks follow-up (VASrest: 2.14 ± 2.7, VASactivity: 3.34 ± 2.5) was found. Both AOFAS and FFITotal improved significantly from baseline (AOFAS: 66.9 ± 3.3, FFITotal: 32.9 ± 3.3) to 6-week follow-up (AOFAS6w: 79.4 ± 3.3, P = .019; FFITotal: 19.4 ± 3.3, P = .011). No statistically significant further improvement was found at 12 weeks compared to 6 weeks' follow-up. Two (11%) patients chose operative treatment because of persisting symptoms.

CONCLUSION

We found that PRP infiltration with walking cast immobilization as a first-line treatment was associated with general early symptom improvement.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, case series.

Clinical results of distal anterior tibial tendon decompression

BACKGROUND

Distal tibialis anterior tendinopathy (DTAT) is condition which is infrequently described in literature and is usually treated with conservative means. If resistant to a rehabilitation protocol and unloading, a surgical treatment could be proposed. The aim of this research is to report on the history and clinical image of DTAT and present the clinical results of a simple surgical decompression of the tendon with local debridement and release of the distal extensor retinaculum.

METHODS

Seventeen patients diagnosed with DTAT in 18 feet underwent surgery between 2008 and 2018. Upon initial presentation, all patients reported a persistent history of pain over the tibialis anterior (TA) insertion. Ultrasound was routinely performed to confirm the diagnosis. In patients with confirmed diagnosis of DTAT, persistent despite conservative treatment, we proceeded with surgical intervention during which we released the tendon by opening the distal extensor retinaculum. Retrospective chart review was performed, and functional outcomes were assessed using the AOFAS midfoot score. AOFAS score results were collected postoperatively with at least one-year follow-up.

RESULTS

All patients experienced pain on palpation of the distal aspect of the TA tendon. Most patients experienced pain at night and were frequent hikers. Our study population consisted of mostly female and overweight patients. All patients reported pain relief with a significant improvement of VAS for pain from 6.7 ± 1.1 preoperatively to 1.1 ± 1.2 postoperatively (p < 0.05). The postoperative AOFAS midfoot score was 97 ± 3.7. Fifteen patients were completely satisfied, two satisfied with minor reservations.

CONCLUSION

Simple distal TA tendon release by division of a consistently present constricting distal extensor retinaculum represents a surgical alternative in the treatment of chronic DTAT. Our study shows good clinical outcomes with low complications.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV - retrospective case series.

Postoperative results of distal tibialis anterior tendinosis

INTRODUCTION

Although distal tibialis anterior tendinopathy is a common condition, it has rarely been described in literature. It is often a condition in overweight women around 50-70 years old with pain that worsens at night. The purpose of this retrospective study is to describe the specific clinical signs and postoperative results of distal tibialis anterior tendinopathy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Between 2013 and 2017 we operated 9 patients (10ft) who failed a conservative treatment of distal tibialis anterior tendinopathy. Surgery consisted of debridement of the diseased tendon and reinsertion with a bone anchor. There was a minimum follow-up of 12 months. All patients were clinically evaluated postoperative (range 14-57 months after surgery) with the use of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) RESULTS: The mean AOFAS score postoperative was 99 (range 94-100). The mean VAS score postoperative was 1 (range 0-3). In all 10 cases the patient was completely satisfied with the result following surgery. There was no recurrence or rupture of tendon after debridement.

CONCLUSION

Distal tibialis anterior tendinopathy is mainly a clinical diagnosis where conservative treatment should always be the first choice. However, our results show that when conservative treatment fails, surgical treatment can lead to very good long term results with a high level of patient satisfaction.