FIBULAR STABILIZATION: ANKLE FIBULAR TENDON OPERATION
DEFINITION OF FIBULAR TENDON PATHOLOGY
Peroneal tendon pathology refers to a group of disorders or injuries affecting the tendons located on the outer side of the ankle, called the peroneal tendons. These tendons are responsible for stabilizing and supporting the ankle during walking, running, and other movements.
Peroneal tendon pathology can include a variety of conditions, including :
- Fibular tendonitis: An inflammation of the peroneal tendons due to overuse, trauma, or other causes. This can cause pain, swelling and stiffness around the ankle.
- Fibular tenosynovitis: An inflammation of the sheath surrounding the peroneal tendons, which can lead to pain and tendon dysfunction.
- Peroneal Tendon Dislocation: A condition where the peroneal tendons can move out of their normal position, often caused by trauma or chronic instability of the ankle.
- Peroneal tendon rupture: A partial or complete tear of the peroneal tendons, usually caused by direct trauma or excessive overuse.
- Outer ankle syndrome: A condition where the peroneal tendons become too tight or irritated, causing pain and discomfort around the outer ankle.
Symptoms of peroneal tendon pathology can vary depending on the nature and severity of the condition, but they may include pain, swelling, tenderness, and decreased function of the ankle. Treatment of peroneal tendon pathology may involve conservative measures such as rest, ice, elevation, physical therapy, and orthotics, as well as in some cases, surgery to repair severe damage. It is important to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan if peroneal tendon pathology is suspected.
DEFINITION OF FIBULAR TENDON OPERATION
Peroneal tendon surgery is a surgical procedure performed to treat various conditions affecting the tendons on the outer side of the ankle, called the peroneal tendons. This procedure generally aims to repair the injuries, restore normal function of the tendons and relieve associated symptoms.
The types of surgical procedures performed on the peroneal tendons depend on the nature and severity of the specific condition. Here are some examples of surgical procedures that can be performed on the peroneal tendons:
- Repair of tendon ruptures : In the event of a partial or complete rupture of a peroneal tendon, surgical repair may be necessary to reconnect the ends of the tendon and restore its continuity. This may involve using sutures to bring the torn ends of the tendon together.
- Restoring tendon stability: In cases of peroneal tendon dislocation or subluxation, where the tendons move out of their normal position, surgery may be performed to restore stability and return the tendons to their proper anatomical location.
- Cleaning or debridement: For cases of fibular tenosynovitis or other inflammatory conditions of the peroneal tendons, surgery may be performed to clean the affected area, remove damaged or inflammatory tissue, and relieve pressure on the tendons.
- Release of adhesions: In some cases, the peroneal tendons may develop adhesions or restrictions in movement that interfere with their normal function. Surgery may be performed to release these adhesions and restore mobility to the tendons.
- Repair of associated injuries: In addition to treating specific peroneal tendon injuries, the operation may also involve repairing other associated structures, such as ligaments or ankle joints, if they are also damaged.
After peroneal tendon surgery, a period of rehabilitation supervised by a physical therapist is usually necessary to help restore strength, flexibility and function to the ankle. The success of surgery and recovery will depend on various factors, including the nature of the condition, the severity of the injuries, and the patient’s compliance with the rehabilitation program.
POST-OPERATIVE REHABILITATION AND RESUMPTION TO ACTIVITIES
Following an operation on the peroneal tendons, the patient may require more or less long rehabilitation depending on the severity of his pathology. The ankle is most often immobilized using a walking boot for a period of up to 6 weeks, and weight bearing is generally allowed after a few days or weeks. Analgesics are prescribed to reduce pain. The patient also receives work leave of approximately 2 months, which may vary depending on their profession. Healing and return of functionality are monitored regularly by medical teams until the patient is completely healed, which can take several months.
RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS OF FIBULAR TENDON SURGERY
Like any surgical operation, peroneal tendon surgery involves more or less significant risks :
- Following the operation, the wound may show poor healing and require special attention. Patients with certain pathologies such as diabetes or circulation problems, or suffering from smoking, are more often affected by this risk.
- Although medical teams are extremely vigilant regarding the disinfection and preparation of the patient’s skin before the operation, a post-operative infection may occur and require antibiotics or even a second intervention.
- Chronic pain or stiffness may persist for several months or years after surgery.
- There is a risk of phlebitis or even pulmonary embolism (in the most serious cases) if a blood clot forms in the lower limb.
- A risk of recurrence is possible even if the operation is performed correctly.
EXPECTED RESULTS OF THE OPERATION
The peroneal tendon operation offers good functional results and allows the patient to regain painless support as well as optimal functions. However, dislocation of the fibular tendons requires longer and more complicated rehabilitation than for tendinitis.
