Traumatic subluxation/dislocation of the peroneal tendons

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Sports Medicine
• Anatomy

Background:

• Traumatic subluxation or dislocation of the peroneal tendons is a known injury in sports.
• This injury occurs when peroneal muscles contract, overpowering soft tissues and causing tendons to dislocate anteriorly from behind the distal fibula.
• Anatomical variations in the posterolateral ankle can predispose individuals to this injury.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the mechanisms, diagnosis, and treatment of traumatic peroneal tendon dislocation.
• To highlight the challenges in diagnosing acute injuries and the progression to chronic conditions.
• To discuss the controversial treatment options for acute injuries and the established surgical approach for chronic lesions.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on peroneal tendon injuries.
• Analysis of anatomical factors contributing to dislocation.
• Discussion of diagnostic challenges in acute and chronic presentations.
• Evaluation of conservative versus surgical management for acute injuries.
• Overview of surgical techniques for chronic peroneal tendon dislocation.

Main Results:

• Acute peroneal tendon dislocation can be missed, leading to chronic, disabling pain.
• Treatment for acute injuries remains controversial, with both conservative and surgical options debated.
• Chronic, symptomatic peroneal tendon dislocations are best managed surgically.
• The selection of surgical procedures for chronic cases is guided by the specific anatomy of the peroneal groove, retinaculum, and the extent of tendon damage.

Conclusions:

• Prompt diagnosis of acute peroneal tendon dislocation is crucial to prevent chronic sequelae.
• While acute injury management is debated, chronic dislocations necessitate surgical intervention.
• Surgical treatment for chronic peroneal tendon dislocation should be tailored to individual patient anatomy and injury characteristics.