Tibialis anterior muscle hernia: a rationale for treatment.

Tibialis anterior muscle hernia is an orthopedic problem that should be dealt with carefully since the potential complications of treatment are serious. The literature is reviewed to provide a better understanding of the natural history, incidence, classification and treatment of muscle hernias. Guidelines are proposed for a rational treatment plan for tibialis anterior muscle hernias. Asymptomatic hernias need no treatment. Longitudinal fasciotomies are recommended as the treatment of choice in symptomatic tibialis anterior muscle hernias that are refractory to conservative treatment.