# Extensor Hallucis Longus Contracture Following Intramedullary Nailing for a Pilon Fracture

**Authors:** Nicholas J Tsavaris, Mitchell J Lomis, Sean Gordon, Parker Vaughan, Scarlett Schneider

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.78195 · 2025-01-29

## TL;DR

This paper describes a rare case of EHL tendon fibrosis after a pilon fracture and discusses treatment and prevention methods.

## Contribution

The paper presents a rare case of isolated EHL fibrosis following a pilon fracture and offers insights into its management.

## Key findings

- EHL fibrosis is a rare complication following pilon fractures.
- The case highlights the importance of early recognition and treatment to improve outcomes.
- Preventive strategies are discussed to reduce the risk of this complication.

## Abstract

Extensor hallucis longus (EHL) fibrosis is an uncommon complication following a pilon fracture. This is caused by compartment syndrome from fracture immobilization followed by adhesion of muscle or tendon. Only a few cases of EHL fibrosis secondary to a post-traumatic lower leg fracture have been reported. This paper reports on a rare case of isolated EHL tendon fibrosis after a pilon fracture. It will outline the treatment received and the current prognosis of the patient, while also discussing methods for prevention of this complication.

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** compartment syndrome (MESH:D003161), Pilon Fracture (MESH:D050723), fibrosis (MESH:D005355), EHL (MESH:D009127), tendon (MESH:D052256), Extensor Hallucis Longus Contracture (MESH:D003286)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Figures

3 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11870295/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11870295