Patient-Reported Outcomes and Return to Activity After Peroneus Brevis Repair.
BACKGROUND
There is limited data on functional outcomes after primary repair of partial peroneal tendon tears. Previous reports have been limited by small cohorts, duration of follow-up, and often included both tenodesis and primary repair. The purpose of this study was to report the functional outcomes and return to activity in the largest cohort to date with partial peroneal tendon tears treated with primary repair.


METHODS
A chart review identified all patients who underwent primary repair of the peroneus brevis tendon from 2008 to 2012. Demographic data, magnetic resonance imaging findings, and postoperative complications were reviewed. Patients were asked to complete a follow-up questionnaire, Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM), and Foot Function Index (FFI). There were 201 patients who underwent primary repair of the peroneus brevis tendon. The average age at time of operation was 44.3 years. Seventy-one patients returned the follow-up questionnaires with an average follow-up of 4.6 years. Fifty-two patients completed the FFI questionnaire preoperatively and postoperatively.


RESULTS
Fifty-nine patients (83.1%) reported a return to regular exercise and sports at final follow-up. At 1 year postoperatively, 76.5% of patients returned to the same preinjury activities, and 62.3% returned to the same level of preinjury activity. Furthermore, 85.9% of patients were satisfied with their outcome, and 91.4% of patients reported they would choose to undergo the same procedure again. The mean FAAM score was 85.2 at follow-up. The mean preoperative and postoperative FFI score was 41.1 and 12.2, respectively. There was a significant improvement in the FFI score of 28.9 after primary peroneus brevis tendon repair (P < .001).


CONCLUSIONS
Primary repair of peroneus brevis tendon provided consistent improvement in functional outcomes in the majority of patients, as measured by a validated scoring system, the FFI. FAAM scores demonstrated good function compared to historical controls. The majority of patients were able to return to preinjury activity.


METHODS
Level IV, retrospective case series.
Doctors Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA.
Brian
B
Steginsky
Doctors Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA.
Aimee
A
Riley
Mercy Orthopedic Associates, Durango, CO, USA.
Douglas E
DE
Lucas
Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Center, Westerville, OH, USA ofacresearch@orthofootankle.com.
Terrence M
TM
Philbin
Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Center, Westerville, OH, USA.
Gregory C
GC
Berlet
D000328:Adult; D016512:Ankle Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D064232:Visual Analog Scale
lateral ankle instability; peroneal tendon; tendon injuries