Disruption of the extensor hallucis longus (EHL) tendon is
uncommon and usually results from traumatic laceration.
Unlike the long extensor tendons to the digits, which can be
sacrificed with near impunity, surgical repair of the EHL
tendon is recommended to prevent symptomatic hallux flexus
and equinus deformity.1,2
An important complication of EHL
tendon repair, however, is postsurgical scarring and adhesion
formation that results in a loss of great toe function.3
The
purpose of this case report is to describe how dynamic splint-
ing can be used to prevent complications of EHL tendon
repair.
ASSESSMENT
The patient was a 25-year-old woman who