Background: The results of operative management for distal tibialis anterior tendinopathy (DTAT) without rupture have not previously been described in the orthopaedic literature. We present the results of 15 operative procedures.

Method: Of 40 patients diagnosed clinically and radiographically with DTAT, we reviewed the 13 patients who underwent surgery for failure of non-operative management. Assessment included pre and postoperative AOFAS midfoot scores, clinical examination and postoperative VAS pain scoring.

Results: Twelve women (13 feet) and one man (2 feet) underwent surgery. The mean age at surgery was 59 years. The mean duration of symptoms prior to surgery was 1 year. The mean pre-operative AOFAS score was 53. Preoperative MRI showed tendinosis with longitudinal split tears in 10 tendons and tendinosis alone in two tendons. Seven of the 15 cases showed some associated degenerative changes of the midfoot. Six tendons were simply debrided and the insertion reinforced with a suture anchor. Nine tendons were augmented with an Extensor Hallucis Longus (EHL) transfer into the medial cuneiform. All patients improved postoperatively, with a mean improvement in AOFAS score of 32 and the mean postoperative pain VAS of 1.0 out of 10, at a mean follow-up of 24 months. Three patients underwent concomitant procedures on the same foot. Four of the nine treated with EHL transfer have some symptomatic hallux interphalangeal joint extensor lag. In seven cases the patient was completely satisfied. Five were satisfied with minor reservations. Of the three that were dissatisfied, two underwent subsequent surgery improving their symptoms. The third, though pain free, was troubled by her toe-catching when walking barefoot. No patient regretted having had the surgery.

Conclusion: Debridement and repair of DTAT, with EHL augmentation for greater than 50% tendon involvement, provides a high level of patient satisfaction if non-operative management fails.