Tibialis anterior rupture: acute and chronic.

Rupture of the tibialis anterior tendon is an unusual injury. Most ruptures occur in elderly men with a history of minor trauma. The sudden occurrence of a "foot drop" is often the presenting symptom. The diagnosis is frequently delayed. The acute rupture is best treated by direct repair. Treatment of the chronic rupture is tailored to the patient. In relatively inactive patients, either a polypropylene ankle-foot orthosis or no treatment at all is indicated. In the more active patient, a reconstruction using extensor hallucis longus helps restore dorsiflexion function.