A false-pouch closure technique with an intact superior peroneal retinaculum for recurrent dislocation of the peroneal tendon

Purpose: To evaluate the usefulness of the false-pouch closure technique with an intact superior peroneal retinaculum (SPR). Methods: From 2016 to 2020, 30 patients with recurrent dislocation of the peroneal tendon were treated with the current procedure. Clinical outcomes, including the time to resume running, the rate and time to return to sports, and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hind Foot score, were evaluated preoperatively and at the last follow-up. Results: The rate of return to the pre-injury level of sports activity was 93.3%, and the mean duration to return to running and sports was 8.0 ± 2.8 weeks (range: 3–12 weeks) and 14.4 ± 3.2 weeks (range: 10–24 weeks), respectively. The mean preoperative AOFAS score was 79.7 ± 9.6 points (range: 41–90), which improved significantly to 98.9 ± 3.2 (87–100) postoperatively (p < 0.01). Conclusion: The false-pouch closure technique with suture tape and anchors had a reliable clinical outcome and can enable the early return of patients to their sports activities.