Peroneal muscle function in chronically unstable ankles. A prospective preoperative and postoperative...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Sports Medicine
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Chronic ankle instability often involves peroneal muscle dysfunction.
• Surgical reconstruction aims to restore stability and function.
• Understanding peroneal muscle response to different surgical techniques is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate peroneal muscle function using surface electromyography (EMG) before and after surgical reconstruction for unilateral chronic ankle instability.
• To compare the effects of static versus dynamic peroneal tendon reconstruction on muscle activity.
• To assess the impact of physiotherapy on peroneal muscle function.

Main Methods:

• Surface electromyography (EMG) was used to measure peroneal muscle activity in 33 patients.
• Patients underwent either static (n=26) or dynamic (n=7) peroneal tendon reconstruction.
• EMG data were collected preoperatively and postoperatively, with and without physiotherapy.

Main Results:

• Peroneal EMG activity significantly increased postoperatively and after physiotherapy in both legs.
• No significant differences in peroneal activity were found between healthy and affected legs pre- or postoperatively.
• While a slight difference was observed during dorsiflexion between static and dynamic reconstructions, it was deemed clinically insignificant.
• Peroneal neuromuscular integrity was preserved irrespective of the surgical method or preoperative instability.

Conclusions:

• Surgical reconstruction and physiotherapy effectively enhance peroneal muscle activity in patients with chronic ankle instability.
• Both static and dynamic reconstruction methods appear viable, with no major functional differences observed.
• Peroneal neuromuscular function is resilient and not compromised by the instability or reconstruction technique.