What is a peroneal tendon subluxation?
There are several muscles which lie on the outside of the lower leg and are collectively known as the peroneal muscles (figure 1). These originate from the outer lower leg bone (fibula) and travel down along the outside of the leg where they insert into various bones in the foot via the peroneal tendons (figure 1). The peroneal tendons travel behind the bony prominence at the outside of the ankle and are firmly held in position by strong connective tissue known as the peroneal retinaculum (figure 1). Occasionally the peroneal retinaculum can be torn. As a result, the peroneal tendons are no longer held in place by the retinaculum and therefore may slip out of position and flick over the bony prominence on the outside of the ankle. This condition is known as peroneal tendon subluxation or dislocation. Once dislocated, the peroneal tendons may remain in the dislocated position, or they can spontaneously return to their original position. Because the peroneal retinaculum is no longer inta
