Acute calcific tendinitis of tibialis posterior tendon (TPT): A rare site of involvement

Abstract

Calcific tendinitis is a benign inflammatory disorder characterised by deposition of calcium hydroxyapatite crystals in tendons and is commonly seen in tendons around shoulder joint but can also sometimes be encountered in other sites including the hip, wrist, elbow, hand, neck and foot. Calcific tendinitis can clinically mimic many other pathologic entities like infection, gout, myositis ossificans or avulsion fracture which frequently leads to misdiagnosis and inappropriate management. Imaging plays an important role in recognizing and evaluating calcific tendinitis and in differentiating this entity from other pathologic conditions. Calcific tendinitis is largely a self-limiting process which usually responds to conservative treatment although in refractory cases invasive options like steroid injection, needle aspiration or surgery can be considered. Early and accurate diagnosis can prevent needless tests and interventions which the patient may be subjected. We report a case of acute calcific tendinitis involving a rare site (tibialis posterior tendon) with its multimodality imaging appearance.