TOTBİD Derleme Dergisi

TOTBİD Derleme Dergisi

2026, Cilt 25, Sayı, 2     (Sayfalar: 167-171)

Tibialis anterior tendon pathologies and treatment

Mustafa Mert Terzi 1, Altuğ Tanrıöver 2

1 Ankara Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi, Ortopedi ve Travmatoloji Kliniği, Ankara
2 Özel Çankaya Hastanesi, Ortopedi ve Travmatoloji Kliniği, Ankara

DOI: 10.5578/totbid.derleme.dergisi.2026.21
Görüntüleme: 20
 - 
İndirme : 8

The tibialis anterior tendon is responsible for the majority of ankle dorsiflexion and plays a critical role during the swing phase and controlled plantarflexion at heel strike. Although its pathologies are rare, diagnosis is often delayed, and functional deficits may be significant. The aim of this review is to comprehensively evaluate the anatomy, etiopathogenesis, clinical features, diagnostic imaging modalities, and current treatment approaches for tibialis anterior tendon disorders in the light of the existing literature. Etiopathogenesis typically involves the combined influence of degenerative changes and acute trauma. Advanced age, diabetes, inflammatory rheumatologic diseases, fluoroquinolone exposure, and local corticosteroid injections are recognized risk factors. Common clinical findings include dorsal foot pain, tripping during gait, and foot drop. Magnetic resonance imaging is the gold standard in diagnosis, providing detailed assessment of tendon integrity. Treatment selection depends on whether the pathology is acute or chronic. Primary repair yields the best outcomes in acute ruptures, whereas chronic cases are more effectively managed with tendon transfers or autograft-based reconstructions. Recent systematic reviews have demonstrated that autograft reconstructions offer high success rates in chronic ruptures with large tendon defects. Structured postoperative rehabilitation remains essential for optimal functional recovery. In conclusion, early diagnosis, anatomically restorative surgical strategies, and a well-designed rehabilitation protocol are key determinants of successful outcomes in tibialis anterior tendonu pathologies.

Anahtar Kelimeler : tibialis anterior tendon; tendon injuries; tendinopathy; tendon transfer; ankle injuries