Extensor hallucis longus tendon contracture following triplane fracture of the tibia

Tendon contractures are a well-known sequele to compartment syndrome. It is most often seen in the upper limb [Santi MD, Botte MJ. Volkmann's ischaemic contracture of foot and ankle: evaluation and treatment of established deformity. Foot Ankle Int 1995;16(6):368–77] but have been infrequently described in the foot [Botte MJ, Santi MD, Prestianni CA, Abrams RA. Ischaemic contracture of foot and ankle: principle of management and prevention. Orthopedics 1996;19(3):235–44]. This case report describes an unusual case of isolated extensor hallucis longus (EHL) tendon contracture following a triplane fracture of distal tibial epiphysis with no evidence of compartment syndrome of either the leg or the foot. In addition, it demonstrates a successful outcome following ‘Z’ lengthening in the management of this condition.