Of ten patients with lacerations of the flexor hallucis longus tendon,
nine were athletically inclined. In four, the laceration was not repaired
and no disability was evident. A functioning flexor hallucis longus,
therefore, does not seem to be essential for good push-off and balance in
running sports. If both the flexor hallucis brevis and the flexor hallucis
longus are lacerated and reconstitution of the longus is not possible, the
brevis should be repaired, suturing the distal segment of the longus to
brevis to prevent hyperextension deformity of the metatarsophalangeal
joint. Hypersensitivity of the scar due to associated nerve injury is a
frequent complication associated with laceration of the flexor hallucis
longus.