Peroneal Tendon Dislocation

The tendons of the peroneus brevis and longus muscles (peroneal tendons) run along the outside of the ankle, behind the lateral malleolus, to the foot. They enable the lifting of the outer edge of the foot (pronation).

When is surgery needed?

Injury-related dislocation of the tendons (i.e., a 'jumping' forward from behind the lateral malleolus) is a rare injury and can be overlooked. Accordingly, this can lead to chronic dislocation of the tendons, potentially resulting in permanent tendon malposition. The clinical picture corresponds to chronic ankle instability (e.g., the patient reports gait unsteadiness on uneven ground). If conservative therapy, despite immobilisation in a cast and/or treatment with an ankle brace, does not lead to an improvement in findings, surgical reconstruction is required.

What happens during surgery?

The dislocation surgery is performed under inpatient conditions. The inpatient stay is up to 7 days. Mobilisation begins on day 1 after the operation with the aid of physiotherapy using forearm crutches. The operated joint/leg must not be fully weight-bearing for 3 to 6 weeks and is immobilised in a splint. Temporary partial weight-bearing with forearm crutches must be maintained during this period. Thrombosis prophylaxis is required for this period. After discharge from inpatient care, physiotherapy should be continued. A rehabilitation period of 12 weeks can generally be expected.

Aftercare

Mobilisation begins on day 1 after the operation with the aid of physiotherapy using forearm crutches. The operated joint/leg must not be fully weight-bearing for 3 to 6 weeks. Temporary partial weight-bearing with forearm crutches must be maintained during this period. Medicinal thrombosis prophylaxis is required for this period. After discharge from inpatient care, physiotherapy should be continued, possibly in the form of inpatient/outpatient follow-up treatment. Generally, a rehabilitation period of 12 weeks can be expected after surgery for tendon stabilisation. Patients should expect a period of incapacity for work lasting 3 months.