Peroneal tendon subluxation repair with an indirect fibular groove deepening technique.

BACKGROUND: 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.

METHODS: 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.

RESULTS: 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.

CONCLUSIONS: 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.