[Ruptures of the tibialis posterior tendon. A clinical and therapeutic study apropos of 13 cases].

The authors have observed 13 cases of ruptures of the tibialis posterior tendon. Two types were described: either sudden and frank ruptures after traumas in younger patients or progressive ruptures in older patients, of degenerative origin. Clinical examination was based on the isometric test of the tibialis posterior, either after an acute trauma or in valgus painful progressive flat feet. The diagnosis was confirmed mainly by CT scan. Eleven cases were operated on, several techniques being used: suture (4 cases) resection (4 cases) plastic transfers or plastic operations (4 cases). The results were analysed according to the strength of the muscle, the ability to stand on the tip of the foot with inversion of the heel and resume of the previous sports. The pain disappeared 4 to 6 months after surgery. The results were satisfactory in nine cases. However the shape of the foot could not be completely restored and the use of a foot support had to be continued.