Mid-substance peroneal tendon defects augmented with an acellular dermal matrix allograft

This study evaluated an acellular dermal matrix allograft augmentation for chronic mid-substance peroneous longus and brevis tendon tears. The hypothesis was that acellular dermal matrix allograft augmentation of chronic longitudinal mid-substance or complete tears of both peroneal tendons provides sufficient initial strength to allow a rapid rehabilitation program.

A consecutive series of mid-substance peroneal tendon tears with tissue loss was prospectively evaluated with demographic data, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society hindfoot-ankle scores, subjective questionnaires, and functional tests as well as physical examination, pre-operative radiographs, and MRIs. Surgical reconstruction consisted of direct tendon repair, fibular sulcus deepening, and ;;gap jumping'' tubular grafting augmentation using an acellular dermal matrix. A rapid rehabilitation protocol was followed. Eleven cases were included (9 females and 2 males). Average age was 46 (range, 29 to 62) years. Followup was 16.9 (range, 12 to 22) months. Two patients had prior surgery for instability, peroneal tendon debridement, and repair. Four patients had previous tenodesis.

All showed extensive longitudinal tearing or complete peroneal tendon rupture on MRI. The mean postoperative AOFAS hindfoot score was 93.5 (range, 75 to 100). Four patients had 1 cm of calf atrophy. All patients were able to perform single-heel rise, had painless ankle and foot range of motion bilaterally, and eversion/inversion strength was within one half grade of strength of the contralateral side in all patients. No postoperative hindfoot varus was identified.

An acellular dermal matrix graft provided an effective ;;gap jumping'' augmentation for repairs of chronic degenerative peroneal tendon tears.