Closed rupture of the flexor hallucis longus tendon in a long distance runner: report of a case and review of the literature.

A unique case report of rupture of the flexor hallucis longus tendon at the great toe metatarsal head level is reported in a well-trained marathon runner. The literature regarding interruptions of the flexor hallucis longus tendon is reviewed. There is an identifiable trend: Closed ruptures of the tendons when repaired, do not permit pull-through of the tendon, whereas open lacerations have some potential to restore this function.