A New Peroneal Tendon Rerouting Method to Treat Recurrent Dislocation of Peroneal Tendons

Abstract

Background The surgical treatment methods for recurrent dislocation of peroneal tendons are controversial. A simpler and more effective treatment method is valuable for these patients. Hypothesis A new rerouting operation designed by the authors will have satisfactory results and avoid disadvantages of the old rerouting methods. Study Design Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods Seventeen consecutive male patients with unilateral recurrent peroneal tendon dislocations were treated by transposition of the calcaneofibular ligament from the tubercle of calcaneofibular ligament with a 1 × 1 × 1 cm3 bone block and elevation of this tubercle with another 1 × 1 × 1 cm3 calcaneal bone block, which were fixed by a 3.5-mm cancellous screw with a washer. All patients received clinical and radiographic follow-up for at least 2 years. The preoperative and postoperative American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scales were used for functional results assessment. Results All bone transposition sites healed radiographically at 6 weeks after surgery. Four patients had transient numbness over the lateral aspect of the injured foot, and 3 patients had swelling and pain involving the operative sites. All complications resolved by 3 to 5 months after the operation. No recurrent dislocation of the peroneal tendons was noted. The mean AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scale improved significantly, from 73.4 ± 5.5 preoperatively to 100 at 2- to 5-year follow-up (P <. 001). Normal ankle stability and no tightening of the lateral side of the injured ankles in the inversion position were noted. Conclusion This method is a simple, reliable, and reproducible operation to treat recurrent dislocation of the peroneal tendons. It allows early return to daily, working, and sports activities with satisfactory results.