Allograft Reconstruction of a Ruptured Flexor Hallucis Longus Tendon in a Professional Dancer: A Case Report

Stenosing tenosynovitis/tendinitis of the flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon is a relatively common occurrence in dancers. When nonoperative management fails, surgical tenolysis/tenosynovectomy has been shown to successfully reduce pain and restore function. In this study, we present the case of a professional contemporary dancer with FHL stenosing tenosynovitis/tendinitis who underwent a z-lengthening of the FHL proximal to the intact tendon sheath which resulted in a rupture of the FHL upon return to dance. He subsequently underwent a FHL reconstruction with tendon allograft. He returned to unrestricted professional dance at 11 months postoperative, which has been maintained at 4-year clinical and MRI follow-up.<b>Level of evidence:</b> V.