Peroneal Stabilization Via Tightening of the Peroneal Tendon Sheath

Abstract

Peroneal subluxation is a rare but debilitating pathology that can be the result of a superior peroneal retinaculum tear or intrasheath laxity. On clinical examination of both cases, the pathology is observed when the ankle is circumducted in eversion and dorsiflexion. With a superior peroneal retinaculum tear, the tendons dislocate from the peroneal groove, whereas with intrasheath laxity the tendons remain in the groove. In the present case series, peroneal stabilization was performed for both superior peroneal retinaculum tear and intrasheath laxity. With our technique, the fibro-osseous connections of the peroneal tendon sheath are detached from the distal one third of the fibula. Drill holes are made through the fibula for suture to be passed through and the peroneal tendon sheath is reattached to the fibula through horizontal mattress sutures via pants over vest technique to restore tension to the sheath. A total of 5 patients underwent peroneal stabilization, 100% (5/5) of which had preoperative pain with palpation along the peroneal tendons and a palpable click with range of motion of the ankle joint. Postoperatively, 100% (5/5) of the patients were fully weight-bearing, compared to 60% (3/5) preoperatively. No patients had residual subluxation of the peroneal tendons postoperatively or a need for revisional surgery. Residual peroneal tendonitis was present in 20% (1/5) of patients and sural neuritis occurred in 20% (1/5) of patients. The peroneal tendons are physiologically tightened within the peroneal tendon sheath to mitigate the pathologic subluxation, without sacrificing tendons for transfer or using allograft material. Clinical Level of Evidence: Therapeutic, Case Series, Level 4