[Injuries of the peroneal tendons : Often overlooked]

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Sports Medicine
• Anatomy

Background:

• Peroneal tendon injuries, including tendinitis, tears, and dislocations, are uncommon but significant causes of ankle pain and dysfunction.
• These injuries often coexist with ankle instability and rearfoot deformities, complicating diagnosis and treatment.
• Clinical examination is paramount for initial diagnosis, necessitating consideration of associated bony pathologies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the diagnosis and management of peroneal tendon injuries.
• To highlight the importance of considering associated injuries and deformities.
• To discuss the role of imaging and surgical intervention in optimizing patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Diagnostic work-up involves clinical examination, radiography, computed tomography (CT), ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
• While imaging aids in diagnosis, the full extent of tendon pathology is often revealed during surgical exploration.
• Radiographic and CT assessments are crucial for evaluating bony injuries and deformities.

Main Results:

• Conservative treatment is the initial approach for acute tendinitis, provided no gross deformity is present.
• Surgical intervention is indicated for peroneal tendon tears and dislocations, with timely operative management being critical to prevent progression.
• Rehabilitation following surgical repair of peroneal tendon tears is extensive and prolonged, yet yields promising results.

Conclusions:

• Accurate diagnosis of peroneal tendon injuries requires a comprehensive approach, integrating clinical assessment with advanced imaging.
• Management strategies must address both the tendon pathology and any associated bony injuries or deformities.
• While challenging, surgical treatment for peroneal tendon tears and dislocations offers favorable outcomes with dedicated rehabilitation.