Peroneal Tendon Transfer/Peroneal Tendon Stabilization

What is it: The peroneal tendon maintains balance in the ankle and prevents twisting injuries of the ankle. Peroneal repair/transfer surgery aims to improve the function of the peroneal tendon with repair and/ or transfer techniques. Tendon transfers involve releasing one end of a tendon and reattaching it to another tendon. Injury to the ankle can also cause the peroneal tendon to slip out of position. Injury and or degeneration of the peroneal tendons or the covering over the tendon can causing pain, swelling, ankle weakness and instability. If the tendon continues to slip out of position surgery to stabilise or repair the tendon is indicated.

Management: Peroneal tendon injuries can be treated nonoperatively or operatively. Dr Unsworth-Smith will assess and diagnose your condition and decide whether surgery is an option for you. Nonoperative management includes pan relieving medication, alterations in foot wear and ankle braces. Surgery will depend on the pathology but will essentially involve an incision over the outside of the ankle. The tendons will be inspected and either the degenerate tissue removed, one tendon will be joined to the other or the covering holding the tendons in place will be repaired. Your condition may need a combination of all three of these techniques

Postoperatively: Patients are safe to go home on the day of surgery. You will be placed in a cast for 2 weeks where you will be transferred to a boot after this. At this time, you can weight bear as tolerated in the boot for the next 4 weeks. Physio will commence at 6 weeks. Return to normal activities will be between 6-18 weeks and full recovery by 4-6 months.