Benign Fibrous Histiocytoma of the Sacrum: A Rare Scenario

Benign fibrous histiocytoma (BFH) of bone is quite rare, and here we report the second case of such tumor originating from sacrum, with the first being reported in an 18-year-old female. The overlapping clinical, radiological, and histopathological findings make it a difficult diagnosis along with the fact that it is a rare diagnosis. In this case report, we present the diagnostic difficulties and optimal treatment for such cases. A 46-year-old male w presented to OPD with complaint of numbness in left foot since 1 month, and intermittent urinary incontinence for 2 weeks. On examination, the straight leg raising test was positive of left side, extensor hallucis longus (EHL) was weak in both lower limbs, and bilateral ankle jerks were diminished. MRI showed well-defined lobulated solid mass lesion, which is T1 hypointense and T2 hyperintense and homogeneously involving the S1 vertebral body, with involvement of the right sacral ala, and right sacral foramen seen at S1 and S2 levels extending into the spinal canal till L4 level. Excision through a posterior midline incision was performed taking care to preserve the traversing nerves. Postoperatively, remarkable improvement in pain with no major residual neurological deficit was observed. Patient was followed-up till 9 months; patient’s incontinence improved over a period of 3 months and has stayed the same until the last follow-up.

Reconstruction of a Neglected, Extensor Hallucis Longus Tendon Rupture Using Interposed Scar Tissue: A Case Report and Literature Review

Injury of the extensor hallucis longus (EHL) tendon is relatively rare, but surgical repair is necessary to prevent deformity and gait disturbance. Primary suturing is possible if the condition is acute, but not when it is chronic. The scar tissue between the ruptured ends is a proliferative tissue composed of fibroblasts and collagen fibers. Given the histological similarity to normal tendons, several studies have reported tendon reconstruction using scar tissue. Here, we report a reconstruction of a neglected EHL rupture using interposed scar tissue. A 54-year-old female visited our clinic with a weak extension of a big toe. She had dropped a knife on her foot a month prior, but did not go to hospital. The wound had healed, but she noted dysfunctional extension of the toe and increasing pain. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed that EHL continuity was lost and that the proximal tendon stump was displaced toward the midfoot. Scar tissue running in the direction of the original ligament was observed between the ruptured ends. In the surgical field, the scar tissue formed a shape similar to the extensor tendon. Therefore, we performed tendon reconstruction using the interposed scar tissue. For the first 2 postoperative weeks, the ankle and foot were immobilized to protect the repair. Six weeks after surgery, the patient commenced full weight-bearing. At the 3-month follow-up, active extension of the hallux was possible, with a full range of motion. The patient did not feel any discomfort during daily life. Postoperative MRI performed at 1 year revealed that the reconstructed EHL exhibited homogeneously low signal intensity, and was continuous. The AOFAS Hallux Metatarsophalangeal-Interphalangeal scale improved from 57 to 90 points and the FAAM scores improved from 74% to 95% (the Activities of Daily Living subscale) and from 64% to 94% (the Sports subscale). Scar tissue reconstruction is as effective as tendon autografting or allografting, eliminates the risk of donor site morbidity and infection, and requires only a small incision and a short operative time.

Reconstruction of chronic extensor hallucis longus tendon rupture using plantaris tendon graft

Chronic tendon ruptures can be difficult to manage as end-to-end repair can be challenging. In this scenario, reconstruction techniques with tendon grafts may be useful. The ideal tendon graft would be one that has similar biomechanical properties, low donor-site morbidity and length compatible with the tendon gap. We describe a safe technique for the reconstruction of a chronic extensor hallucis longus tendon rupture using a plantaris tendon graft. Level of Evidence V, Therapeutic Studies; Expert Opinion.

Can Tho Transfer Technique: Extensor Hallucis Longus to Tibialis Anterior Tenodesis for Footdrop

Background Footdrop, or the inability to actively dorsiflex the foot, may result from numerous pathologic conditions, including poliomyelitis and cerebral palsy. Although the gait of patients with footdrop can be improved by performing an extensor hallucis longus (EHL) to tibialis anterior (TA) tendon transfer, the success rate of this procedure is relatively low. Methods Seven paralytic patients with footdrop were surgically treated using a new buttonhole-type technique that involves passing a loop of the EHL through a TA split using umbilical tape and suturing at the four corners of the EHL attaching to the TA while the foot is dorsiflexed. Results Eight years after surgery, all three patients who were available for follow-up displayed active dorsiflexion, improved mobility, and a palpable TA-EHL tenodesis, with no cockup deformity. Conclusions This new approach, which we term Can Tho transfer, improves the mechanical strength of TA-EHL tenodesis.

Extensor Hallucis Longus Tendonitis: A Rare Cause of Dorsal Midfoot Pain

Although disorders of tendon are quite common, acute extensor hallucis longus (EHL) tendonitis is a very rare occurrence. Repeated friction across the top of the foot or excessive pressure from an ill-fitting shoe is among most common risk factors. We report a 59-year-old lady with acute EHL tendonitis where musculoskeletal ultrasound appears to be an effective choice for both diagnosis and for guiding corticosteroid injection into tendon sheath.

A Novel Technique for Soft-Tissue Defect Repair After Traumatic Rupture of the Extensor Hallucis Longus Tendon

Background Surgical repair of extensor hallucis longus (EHL) tendon rupture with a concomitant capsular defect has not been reported in the literature. This case presents a novel approach to EHL tendon rupture repair along with repair of a first metatarsophalangeal joint capsule defect. Methods A case study is presented of a 61-year-old man with a traumatic EHL tendon rupture and capsular defect treated with an EHL tendon turndown flap and tenodesis to the extensor hallucis brevis and capsularis tendons with autograft flap reconstruction of the first metatarsophalangeal joint capsule. Discussion A 61-year-old man presented with an acute traumatic EHL tendon rupture and first metatarsophalangeal joint capsule compromise after a chainsaw injury. He subsequently lost dorsiflexion of his hallux, and magnetic resonance imaging confirmed a 2.2-cm gap in the EHL tendon. He was treated with an EHL tendon turndown flap and tenodesis to the extensor hallucis brevis and capsularis tendons to reestablish dorsiflexion to the hallux. The injury was noted to infiltrate the first metatarsophalangeal joint capsule and was treated with an autograft of the first metatarsophalangeal joint capsule for a capsular defect. At 1-year follow-up the patient has regained dorsiflexion of the hallux and is back to activities such as snow skiing without pain. Conclusions Ruptures of the EHL tendon with first metatarsophalangeal joint capsule defects have not been reported in the literature. Herein, a novel approach was used to reestablish physiologic function to the EHL tendon and provide sufficient coverage of the first metatarsophalangeal joint.