Peroneal tendon subluxation in athletes: new exam technique, case reports, and review

Traumatic peroneal tendon subluxation is an uncommon cause of ankle pain. As a result, the diagnosis is often delayed. A new technique of examining the patient in the prone position, allowing for easier visualization of the subluxation or dislocation, is described. Three illustrative cases, including a rare case of midsubstance rupture of the peroneal retinaculum are presented along with a review the literature. An acute repair in athletes and in those patients who do not want to risk the chance of a 40-50% failure rate after 4-6 wk of casting is currently recommended. Surgical repair can be facilitated using Mitek suture anchors for acute, symptomatic chronic, and subacute injuries. Deepening of the groove is performed only in those patients that have no sulcus or a convexity of the groove.