Peroneal groove deepening as the treatment of peroneal tendon subluxation: A case report

INTRODUCTION: Peroneal tendon subluxation is a relatively rare disorder that is often misdiagnosed as an ankle sprain. It affects mainly young adults, usually during sports activities. It is mostly caused by avulsion of the superior peroneal retinaculum (SPR) from its fibular insertion, which requires surgical intervention, especially for cases of symptomatic chronic peroneal tendon subluxation and/or dislocation. We reported a case of peroneal tendon subluxation of left ankle treated with peroneal groove deepening and retinaculum ligament repair, the objective of which is to illustrate the effectiveness of this procedure. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of a thirty-four-year old male with peroneal tendon subluxation of left ankle. The patient was injured while exercising two years prior to admission. He now reported pain and instability on the left ankle. We performed peroneal groove deepening and retinaculum ligament repair to treat this patient. DISCUSSION: Peroneal groove deepening and retinaculum ligament repair shows an excellent clinical outcome; after the procedure, there are no major complications such as infections, wound problems or permanent discomfort. Overall, the result of surgery had been considered satisfactory. Postoperatively, the ankle was placed in a below-knee, non–weight-bearing temporary cast in semi-equinus position for two weeks. CONCLUSION: The incidence rate of peroneal tendon subluxation is relatively low, and surgery is the primary treatment of this type of injury, with various available surgical methods available for the performing surgeon. Peroneal groove deepening and retinaculum ligament repair offers a satisfactory outcome.