Treatment of peroneal tendon dislocation by transposition under the calcaneofibular ligament.

Of the many different surgical techniques to treat peroneal tendon dislocations, transposition of the peroneal tendons under the calcaneofibular ligament has been used at the Orthopädisches Spital of Vienna/Austria since 1975. The method was first described by Platzgummer in 1967. After dividing the calcaneofibular ligament and removing the fatty tissue in the space between this ligament, the posterior talofibular ligament, and the lateral capsule of the subtalar joint, the peroneal tendons are placed behind the lateral malleolus and under the calcaneofibular ligament, which is reconstructed by suture to create an efficient retainment. Of 17 feet operated on, 13 were available for follow-up in 12 patients. Dislocation was idiopathic in three and traumatic in 10 feet. Criteria for evaluation were patient's satisfaction, absence of pain and swelling, and stability of tendon retention and of ankle and subtalar joints. Of the 13 operated feet, 11 showed an excellent result and two showed a good result. In the results graded as "good," occasional pain and swelling occurred in both feet of a patient belonging to the idiopathic group.