Peroneal tendon subluxation repair with an indirect fibular groove deepening technique

Peroneal tendon subluxation or dislocation is a relatively uncommon entity with multiple operative treatment methods described. This is a report of an indirect fibular groove deepening technique.

Fifteen consecutive patients had repair of peroneal tendon subluxation or dislocation with an indirect fibular groove deepening technique. The mean duration of symptoms before surgery was 32 (range 1 to 80) weeks. Mean followup was 13 (range 3 to 26) months. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot score was calculated and compared for patients with and without Worker's Compensation claims and in patients with and without concomitant operative procedures.

The average postoperative AOFAS score was 87.1. Patients with Worker's Compensation claims had an average AOFAS score of 80.6 compared to 90.4 in patients without Worker's Compensation claims (p = 0.07). Patients who had an isolated repair of peroneal subluxation had a substantially higher AOFAS hindfoot score (95.3) than patients who had other procedures such as a peroneal tendon repair (81.6; p = 0.004). No patient had residual tendency for subluxation or dislocation postoperatively.

An indirect groove deepening technique is an effective way of treating peroneal tendon dislocation with good results. Patients with Worker's Compensation claims or other associated pathology have poorer outcomes.