The Singapore operation for chronic recurrent peroneal tendon subluxation--short-term follow-up in four patients.

BACKGROUND: Recurrent peroneal tendon subluxation is an uncommon condition which is usually the result of sports related trauma. This injury may be misdiagnosed resulting in long-term disability. Most authors would recommend surgical treatment for patients who have a long history or in patients in whom conservative treatment has failed. Surgical treatment can also be considered in the acute phase when managing young athletic individuals.

METHODS: We report the outcome in four patients who underwent the Singapore operation for chronic peroneal tendon subluxation. All patients were operated on by the same surgeon and followed up at regular intervals with a minimum follow-up of two years.

RESULTS: In all four patients a Bankart type lesion was found in association with subluxation solely of the peroneus longus tendon. Following repair all patients returned to pre-injury activity levels within six months.

CONCLUSION: In our experience the Singapore operation is technically easy to perform and offers excellent results with high patient satisfaction levels.