Posterior Fibular Groove Deepening Procedure With Low-Profile Screw Fixation of Fibrocartilaginous Flap for Chronic Peroneal Tendon Dislocation

Open Peroneal Tendon Stabilization With Fibular Groove Deepening

Peroneal tendon subluxation often occurs because of sudden dorsiflexion of the ankle, leading to a traumatic rupture of the superior peroneal retinaculum. Currently, there are several surgical techniques to deepen the fibular groove, but there is no universally accepted gold standard. This technique article describes a fibular groove deepening with preservation of the fibrocartilage in conjunction with repair of the superior peroneal retinaculum. Addressing the main pathologies that may be leading to subluxation of the peroneal tendons, we offer an approach that avoids many of the common pitfalls from previously proposed techniques while preserving the natural fibrocartilage within the malleolar groove and repairing the retinaculum.

Peroneal groove deepening as the treatment of peroneal tendon subluxation: A case report

•

Subluxation of the peroneal tendon is relatively infrequent.

•

Subluxation of the peroneal tendon often misdiagnosed as ankle sprain.

•

Avulsion of the superior peroneal retinaculum from is the main cause of peroneal tendon subluxation.

•

Good outcomes can be achieved by peroneal groove deepening and retinaculum ligament repair.

Introduction

Peroneal tendon subluxation is a relatively rare disorder that is often misdiagnosed as an ankle sprain. It affects mainly young adults, usually during sports activities. It is mostly caused by avulsion of the superior peroneal retinaculum (SPR) from its fibular insertion, which requires surgical intervention, especially for cases of symptomatic chronic peroneal tendon subluxation and/or dislocation. We reported a case of peroneal tendon subluxation of left ankle treated with peroneal groove deepening and retinaculum ligament repair, the objective of which is to illustrate the effectiveness of this procedure.

Case presentation

We present a case of a thirty-four-year old male with peroneal tendon subluxation of left ankle. The patient was injured while exercising two years prior to admission. He now reported pain and instability on the left ankle. We performed peroneal groove deepening and retinaculum ligament repair to treat this patient.

Discussion

Peroneal groove deepening and retinaculum ligament repair shows an excellent clinical outcome; after the procedure, there are no major complications such as infections, wound problems or permanent discomfort. Overall, the result of surgery had been considered satisfactory. Postoperatively, the ankle was placed in a below-knee, non–weight-bearing temporary cast in semi-equinus position for two weeks.

Conclusion

The incidence rate of peroneal tendon subluxation is relatively low, and surgery is the primary treatment of this type of injury, with various available surgical methods available for the performing surgeon. Peroneal groove deepening and retinaculum ligament repair offers a satisfactory outcome.