Peroneus brevis tendon tears

Tears of the peroneus brevis tendon are more frequent than reported in the literature. Because of the vague pain associated with structures of the lateral ankle, peroneal tears are frequently misdiagnosed. Physical signs such as swelling along the course of the peroneal tendon sheath, pain with eversion, and subluxing tendons are diagnostic of peroneal pathologic conditions. The cause of peroneal tears is not completely understood. Possible causes include subluxing peroneal tendons, a sharp posterior ridge of the fibula, overcrowding of the peroneal groove, instability of the superior peroneal retinaculum, lateral ankle instability, contraction of the peroneus longus, hypovascularity of the peroneus brevis tendon, and a shallow peroneal groove of the fibula. Although conservative measures are almost always attempted, surgical repair of peroneus brevis tears remains the standard of care. Débridement and tubularization are recommended for less extensive tears. In more severe cases, resection of the damaged tendon and tenodesis of the proximal and distal segments to the peroneus longus are necessary. Return to maximum activity is prolonged, but with proper patient selection, evaluation, and treatment, good to excellent results can be expected.