Recurrent dislocation of the peroneal tendons.

Peroneal tendon dislocations occur in sports, particularly in skiing and soccer. This paper presents the outcome of 15 patients with post-traumatic recurrent peroneal tendon dislocations, operated on with a soft-tissue reconstruction of the superior peroneal retinaculum, i.e. reattachment and reinforcement, in combination with a retrofibular groove deepening. Mean follow-up was 3.5 (2-7) years after surgery. There were no redislocations and no neurovascular injuries. The functional results were satisfactory in 13/15 (87%) patients, with full range of ankle motion and no pain. The two patients with unsatisfactory functional results had restricted ankle motion and pain on exertion. This simple reconstruction seems to be a good alternative to other more complex procedures and can be recommended in patients with recurrent peroneal tendon dislocations. Conservative treatment is not an option in patients with recurrent peroneal tendon dislocations, due to persistent symptoms of instability and pain.