Clinical outcomes of modified reattachment of superior peroneal retinaculum for recurrent peroneal tendon dislocation

Abstract

Objective To investigate clinical outcomes of modified reattachment of superior peroneal retinaculum (SPR) for patients with recurrent peroneal tendon dislocation. Methods A total of 24 cases with recurrent peroneal tendon dislocation from December 2012 to June 2017 were treated with modified reattachment of SPR. There were 20 males and 4 females. The average age was 24.9±9.3 years (14-48 years). The average BMI was 23.18±3.50 kg/m2 (15.8-32.2 kg/m2). A 4-5 cm incision was made along the lateral margin of the fibula and curved distally around the fibular tip in line with the peroneal excursion. The superior peroneal retinaculum, peroneus longus and peroneus brevis were exposed. The periosteum and SPR were stripped from the fibula. The false pouch was formed. Two suture anchors were inserted into the postero-lateral ridge of the lateral malleolus without damaging the cartilaginous ridge, after which the SPR was reattached to the lateral malleolus with the anchored suture. The inner layer of the false pouch was incised, while the outer layer (periosteum) was sutured with the SPR in a pants-over-vest style. The following items, including American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, visual analogue scale (VAS), rate of return to previous sports level, time to return to sports activity, complication, and patients satisfaction were evaluated preoperatively and at the final follow-up. Results The average operation duration was 36.1±8.8 min (20-51 min). The blood loss was 1-10 ml, average 4.1±2.7 ml. The follow-up was carried out in 22 cases for mean 33.9±15.7 months (13-61 months). AOFAS score was improved from 77.8±7.8 points to 95.5±4.3 points significantly (t=-11.89, P<0.001). VAS score was reduced from 4.2±2.4 to 0.3±0.8 significantly (t=7.69, P<0.001). Mean duration return to sports activity was 5.0±1.9 months (3-10 months). A total of 20 patients (91%) returned to their previous sports level. Only one patient (5%) was found with limitation of range of motion, while two patients (9%) reported pain at the scar site without recurrence. The satisfaction rate was 91%. Conclusion Clinical outcomes of modified reattachment of SPR for patients with recurrent peroneal tendon dislocation was safe and effective. Key words: Tendinopathy; Dislocations; Wounds and injuries; Reconstructive surgical procedures