Lacerations of the flexor hallucis longus in the young athlete

Abstract

Of ten patients with lacerations of the flexor hallucis longus tendon, nine were athletically inclined. In four, the laceration was not repaired and no disability was evident. A functioning flexor hallucis longus, therefore, does not seem to be essential for good push-off and balance in running sports. If both the flexor hallucis brevis and the flexor hallucis longus are lacerated and reconstitution of the longus is not possible, the brevis should be repaired, suturing the distal segment of the longus to brevis to prevent hyperextension deformity of the metatarsophalangeal joint. Hypersensitivity of the scar due to associated nerve injury is a frequent complication associated with laceration of the flexor hallucis longus.