The peroneal groove deepening procedure: a biomechanical study of pressure reduction.
BACKGROUND
The goal of this study was to identify pressure changes throughout the peroneal groove after a groove deepening procedure. We hypothesized that pressures would decrease.


METHODS
Twelve fresh-frozen foot and ankle specimens were used. A thin pressure strip containing four sensor pads was secured within the peroneal groove with pads 1 through 4 positioned at the calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) and at the distal, middle, and proximal groove, respectively. The midstance phase of gait was simulated with loads applied to the plantar foot and posterior tibial tendon and to the peroneus longus and brevis tendons. Pressures were recorded with the ankle in neutral, plantarflexion, dorsiflexion, inversion, and eversion. Groove deepening was done by osteotomizing the posterior fibular wall. Pressure readings were then recorded. Average pressures for each of the four sensor pads after the procedure were compared to those obtained before the procedure.


RESULTS
The mean pressure overlying the CFL increased at all five ankle positions; however, these changes were not significant. Significant decreases in pressure were noted within the distal and middle groove at all ankle positions after the peroneal groove deepening procedure. Pressure within the proximal groove increased at all but one position, with a significant difference noted in neutral and plantarflexion.


CONCLUSIONS
Pressures within the middle and distal peroneal groove significantly decreased after a groove deepening procedure. Combining this technique with peroneal tendon debridement may be advantageous for treatment of partial peroneal tendon tears or recalcitrant peroneal tendinitis.
Title
Craig I
CI
Orthopaedic Surgery, Union Memorial Hospital, 3333 North Calvert Street #400, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA.
Jung
Hung-Geun
HG
Parks
Brent G
BG
Schon
Lew C
LC
D000842:Ankle / Q000502:physiology*; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002102:Cadaver; D005360:Fibula / Q000502:physiology* / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D011312:Pressure; D013710:Tendons / Q000502:physiology*