Acute Peroneal Tendon Tears

Acute peroneal tendon tears lay at one end of a spectrum of peroneal tendon pathology. Because a tear represents a mechanical abnormality, surgical treatment is frequently required. Anatomical variants need to be considered as potential causes of lateral ankle pain. Most acute peroneus brevis tears are longitudinal, occur adjacent to the tip of the fibula, and require surgical treatment. Acute peroneus longus tears more commonly occur at the level of the cuboid tunnel and may initially be managed nonoperatively, but, if associated with stenosing tendonitis, may require debridement and tenodesis. Rarely, complete ruptures of both peronei occur and, if there is a significant defect, reconstructive procedures are required.