A new peroneal tendon rerouting method to treat recurrent dislocation of peroneal tendons.

Background: The surgical treatment methods for recurrent dislocation of peroneal tendons are controversial. A simpler and more effective treatment method is valuable for these patients.

Hypothesis: A new rerouting operation designed by the authors will have satisfactory results and avoid disadvantages of the old rerouting methods.

Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods: Seventeen consecutive male patients with unilateral recurrent peroneal tendon dislocations were treated by transposition of the calcaneofibular ligament from the tubercle of calcaneofibular ligament with a 1 x 1 x 1 cm3 bone block and elevation of this tubercle with another 1 x 1 x 1 cm3 calcaneal bone block, which were fixed by a 3.5-mm cancellous screw with a washer. All patients received clinical and radiographic follow-up for at least 2 years. The preoperative and postoperative American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scales were used for functional results assessment.

Results: All bone transposition sites healed radiographically at 6 weeks after surgery. Four patients had transient numbness over the lateral aspect of the injured foot, and 3 patients had swelling and pain involving the operative sites. All complications resolved by 3 to 5 months after the operation. No recurrent dislocation of the peroneal tendons was noted. The mean AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scale improved significantly, from 73.4 +/- 5.5 preoperatively to 100 at 2- to 5-year follow-up (P < .001). Normal ankle stability and no tightening of the lateral side of the injured ankles in the inversion position were noted.

Conclusion: This method is a simple, reliable, and reproducible operation to treat recurrent dislocation of the peroneal tendons. It allows early return to daily, working, and sports activities with satisfactory results.