Peroneal tendon injury associated with calcaneal fractures: CT findings

Injury to the peroneal tendons is one of the major long-term complications of intraarticular calcaneal fractures and heretofore has been difficult to diagnose by noninvasive radiography. Retrospective review of CT scans of 24 intraarticular calcaneal fractures, obtained shortly after injury, identified 22 cases (92%) of acute peroneal tendon abnormalities. In most of these cases, multiple findings were present. These included lateral displacement in 14 (58%) of 24, impingement by bony fragments in eight (33%), subluxation or dislocation in six (25%), soft-tissue masses around the tendons representing hematomas or early scar tissue in five (21%), and entrapment of the tendons in three (13%). In 10 cases with long-term follow-up, impingement on the tendons by bony fragments correlated well with the subsequent development of peroneal tenosynovitis, while hematoma around the tendons or lateral displacement of the tendons was clinically insignificant. Thus, CT in the immediate postfracture period, can be used to detect and categorize acute peroneal tendon injuries as well as possibly to predict the likelihood and nature of subsequent development of peroneal tenosynovitis.     

Computed tomographic assessment of soft tissue abnormalities following calcaneal fractures.

Computed tomographic (CT) examinations of 50 acute calcaneal fractures were compared with a further series of 77 fractures in which the date of injury preceded the CT by 6 months or more. 42 (84%) of the fractures in the acute group and 55 (71%) in the chronic group were classified as intra-articular and they form the basis of this study. The alteration in the position of the peroneal tendons in the two groups was similar, with a 5% or less difference in each category. In the acute group the peroneal tendons were normally located in 40.4% of the cases, entrapped by bone in 11.9%, subluxed in 33.3% and dislocated in 14.2%. Structural abnormalities of the peroneal tendons and surrounding soft tissues were identified in 52.4% of the acute group and in 61.1% of the chronic group. The incidence of partial rupture of the peroneal tendons in the chronic group was approximately one third that in the acute group, but the low incidence of complete tendon rupture remained unchanged. The inference from these observations is that, in the majority of cases, partial peroneal tendon rupture is reversible, whereas complete rupture is not. Seven fractures were common to both series and from this limited group the identification of haemorrhage around the peroneal tendons in the acute phase was shown not to be related to the subsequent development of chronic stenosing tenosynovitis. Various abnormalities of the medial tendons of the hindfoot were identified in 17% of the acute group and in 18% of the chronic group. Following calcaneal fracture, CT in both the immediate post-fracture period and in the late phase can be used to detect and classify the soft tissue changes. The limitations of comparing the two groups in this study are discussed.     

Intraarticular fractures of the calcaneus: value of CT findings in determining prognosis.

The prognosis of intraarticular calcaneal fractures is variable, ranging from severe functional impairment and pain to complete return of normal function. Clinical assessment and CT scanning were performed 1-11 years after fracture in 45 patients (51 fractures) to determine the relationship between the CT findings and clinical status. Conservatively treated (n = 18) and surgically treated (n = 33) fractures were assessed. Clinical assessment included evaluation of subjective parameters (pain, activity, gait, and use of orthotics) and objective measurement of subtalar motion. CT evaluation included assessment of abnormalities in the posterior subtalar joint, loss of calcaneal height, tendon abnormalities, and calcaneocuboid joint abnormalities. A poor clinical outcome, caused by loss of subtalar motion, was more common when CT showed incongruity or degeneration of the posterior facet (p = .04) and when Bohler's angle was decreased (p = .0006). Other CT findings, such as loss of calcaneal height and tendon abnormalities, did not correlate with clinical outcome. An unexpected finding was that surgical screws were intraarticular in eight (24%) of 33 surgically treated patients; however, this finding was not significantly associated with poor clinical outcome. Our findings indicate that the CT findings of degenerative change and incongruity of the posterior subtalar joint correlate significantly with poor clinical outcome.     

Peroneal tendon injuries: CT analysis

Computed tomographic (CT) evaluation of the peroneal tendons was obtained in 25 normal ankles and 30 abnormal ankles studied for trauma. The tendons and associated soft-tissue and bony structures, such as the calcaneofibular ligament, superior and inferior peroneal retinacula, fibular groove, and peroneal tubercle, which have heretofore evaded documentation on routine radiographs, are illustrated and discussed. Special attention is given to normal variations such as convex fibular tip and enlarged peroneal tubercle, which predispose the peroneal tendons to abnormal mechanical stresses. Examples of CT-established peroneal tendon abnormalities in the 30 cases examined are also demonstrated. These abnormalities include subluxation, dislocation, entrapment, and tenosynovitis of the peroneal tendons. The authors believe CT has proved to be an extremely useful and relatively noninvasive imaging tool for the evaluation of peroneal tendon injuries.     

Intra-articular calcaneal fractures: computed tomographic analysis

Computed tomography (CT) analysis of 21 intra-articular calcaneal fractures categorized according to the Essex-Lopresti classification revealed the following distribution: joint depression-type 57%, comminuted type 43%, tongue-type 0%. The posterior calcaneal facet was fractured and/or depressed in 100% of the cases while the medial facet was involved in only 25% of the cases.CT proved superior to plain films by consistently demonstrating additional fracture components within each major category suggesting subclassifications which have potential prognostic value. CT allowed more expeditious handling of acutely injured patients, and improved preoperative planning, postoperative follow-up, and detailed analysis of causes for chronic residual pain. CT further identified significant soft tissue injuries such as peroneal tendon displacement which cannot be delineated on plain films.     

Trauma to the foot

Minor trauma to the foot may cause stress fracture, avulsion fracture or ligamentous and tendon injury. Plain radiographs are frequently normal. Radionuclide bone scan is a sensitive detector of early bone injury. A stress fracture may develop focal uptake or diffuse uptake throughout the bone involved. MR imaging is the most sensitive means of evaluating injury to the soft tissues. Acute edema, partial tear, complete tear, and chronic tendinitis have distinct features on T1- and T2-weighted images. Major trauma occurs most commonly as a result of falls from heights and from motor-vehicle accidents. Plain films are useful in the initial evaluation of the extent of trauma. CT is particularly useful in evaluating calcaneal fractures that involve the subtalar joint. Both MR imaging and CT scans are useful in detecting injured or entrapped tendons associated with fracture-dislocations.     

CT assessment of the prevalence of retinacular injuries associated with hindfoot fractures

Objective

To determine the incidence of injuries to the flexor and peroneal retinacula in hindfoot fractures as demonstrated on ankle computed tomography (CT).

Materials and methods

Study patients were identified via review of CT records at a single institution. CT scans were retrospectively reviewed and compared with surgical reports.

Results

Hindfoot fractures undergoing CT showed flexor retinacular injuries in 23.7% of cases and peroneal retinacular injuries in 10.2%. The posterior tibial tendon was partly torn in 4.2% of cases, and entrapped between fracture fragments in 16.1%. The peroneal tendon was rarely injured, being entrapped in 1.7% of cases. Pilon, distal tibial shaft, malleolar, talar, and calcaneal fractures were all associated with retinacular injuries. CT findings correlated well with surgical findings; there were no false-positive CT findings, and only 1 false-negative finding, a posterior tibial tendon that was entrapped at surgery, but in a normal position on the CT.

Conclusions

Retinacular injuries are commonly demonstrated on CT in patients with ankle fractures. The contribution of these injuries to fracture outcomes is unknown.     

Normal anatomy and pathologic conditions of ankle tendons: current imaging techniques.

Radiologic assessment of tendon injuries requires familiarity with normal anatomy and the capabilities of available imaging modalities. Tenography, less commonly used nowadays, does not allow direct visualization of tendons, so that partial ruptures and longitudinal splits may go undetected. Ultrasonography can depict tenosynovitis, tendinitis, and complete tendon rupture of the Achilles tendon, but the other tendons are difficult to visualize with this technique. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is superior to computed tomography (CT) in the depiction of tenosynovitis and peritendinitis, tendinitis, tendon rupture, and tendon dislocation and subluxation. CT can demonstrate these abnormalities, but accompanying scar tissue or edema, early changes of tendon degeneration, and small amounts of inflammatory fluid are difficult to differentiate with this technique. CT is superior for demonstrating calcifications, convex retromalleolar groove, bone fragments, or spurs that complicate tendon dislocation and rupture. Although the authors prefer MR imaging, they caution that all of the modalities are not always specific and that differentiation between closely related processes such as tendinitis and early tendon rupture is difficult.     

Magnetic resonance imaging findings in patients with peroneal tendinopathy and peroneal tenosynovitis

Objective To compare the magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings of a group of patients with clinically diagnosed peroneal tendonopathy and peroneal tenosynovitis with the MR imaging findings of a control group of patients with no clinical evidence of peroneal tendon disorder. Subjects and methods The MR examinations of 24 patients with symptomatic peroneal tendinopathy or peroneal tenosynovitis and 70 patients with no clinical evidence of peroneal tendon disorder were retrospectively reviewed to determine the presence or absence of four MR imaging findings: 1) predominantly or uniform intermediate signal intensity within the peroneal tendons on one or more axial proton density-weighted images, 2) predominantly or uniform intermediate signal intensity within the peroneal tendons on three consecutive axial proton density-weighted images, 3) intermediate T2 signal intensity within the peroneal tendons, and 4) circumferential fluid within the common peroneal tendon sheath greater than 3 mm in maximal width. The sensitivity and specificity of these MR imaging findings for determining the presence or absence or symptomatic peroneal tendinopathy or peroneal tenosynovitis were calculated. Results The sensitivity of MR imaging findings 1, 2, 3, and 4 for determining the presence of peroneal tendinopathy or peroneal tenosynovitis were 92%, 92%, 50%, and 17% respectively. The specificity of MR imaging findings 1, 2, 3, and 4 for determining the absence of peroneal tendinopathy or peroneal tenosynovitis were 57%, 79%, 93%, and 100% respectively. Conclusion The presence of predominantly or uniform intermediate signal intensity within the peroneal tendons on three consecutive axial proton density-weighted images is a highly sensitive and moderately specific indicator of symptomatic peroneal tendinopathy. The presence of intermediate T2 signal within the peroneal tendons, and the presence of circumferential fluid within the peroneal tendon sheath greater than 3 mm in maximal width, are highly specific indicators of peroneal tendinopathy and peroneal tenosynovitis respectively.     

Computed tomography of calcaneal fractures--comparison with conventional radiography

Computed tomography (CT) and conventional radiography were compared in 52 calcaneal fractures. As for CT, direct coronal imagings were performed in all and direct axial imagings were added in 27 of them. Conventional radiography included lateral, axial, and Anthonsen (oblique) views. Overall CT detected 7 more of the incongruity of the posterior facet, 9 more of the bulging of the lateral wall, and 6 more of the fracture of the sustentaculum tali than conventional radiography. In addition the entrapment of the peroneal tendons between the calcaneal body and the fibular malleolus could be evaluated only with CT. These informations are indispensable for the proper treatment of the fractures and we conclude that CT is useful in evaluating calcaneal fractures.     

Endoscopic treatment of calcaneo-fibular impingement

The calcaneo-fibular impingement syndrome is frequent after calcaneal fracture and is linked to the decreased space between the tip of the fibula and the lateral wall of the calcaneus. The reasons for the painful symptoms are mixed with both bony and soft tissue involvement. The abnormal bony contact between the lateral calcaneal cortex and the tip of the fibula depends mainly on the size and localization of the lateral exostosis of the calcaneal wall. The soft tissue impingement is due to the fibrosis and scar tissues in the lateral gutter and to the compression of the peroneal tendons in the retromalleolar groove and under the tip of the malleolus. A 2-portal endoscopic technique is described for the treatment of calcaneo-fibular impingement with bone resection, soft tissue debridement and peroneal tendons release. One of the advantages of this endoscopic technique is the possibility of an assessment and treatment of associated lesions in the same procedure. A subtalar joint fusion can be done before if needed under arthroscopic control. As this endoscopic technique is very efficient to relieve symptoms of calcaneo-fibular impingement and is focused on the most relevant symptoms, it can thus be indicated for most of cases of calcaneal malunions, whatever the type of malunion and depending of the painful symptoms.     

Tendon entrapments and dislocations in ankle and hindfoot fractures: evaluation with multidetector computed tomography

The purpose of this study was to assess the incidence of tendon entrapments and tendon dislocations associated with ankle and hindfoot fractures in patients studied by multidetector computed tomography (MDCT). Additionally, we describe particular tendon injuries associated with specific fractures. This was a retrospective review of all individuals with a trauma-protocol CT for suspected ankle and/or hindfoot fractures during a consecutive 41-month time period at a single Level I Trauma Center. Each patient’s images were evaluated by two radiologists and an orthopedic surgeon for tendon entrapment, tendon dislocation, and bone(s) fractured or dislocated. There were 398 patients with ankle and/or hindfoot fractures that showed tendon entrapment or dislocation in 64 (16.1 %) patients. There were 30 (46.9 %) patients with 40 tendon entrapments, 31 (48.4 %) patients with 59 tendon dislocations, and three (4.7 %) patients with both tendon entrapment and dislocation. All patients with tendon entrapments were seen with either pilon fractures and/or a combination of posterior, medial, or lateral malleolar fractures. The most frequently entrapped tendon was the posterior tibialis tendon (PTT) in 27 patients (27/30, 90.0 %). The peroneal tendons were the most frequently dislocated, representing 27 (87.1 %) of patients with tendon dislocation; all resulted from a talar or calcaneal fracture or subluxation. This study demonstrates that tendon entrapments and tendon dislocations are commonly seen in complex fractures of the ankle and hindfoot. Pilon fractures were associated with the majority of tendon entrapments, whereas calcaneus fractures were associated with the majority of tendon dislocations.     

高山滑雪运动踝关节急性期损伤MRI表现

目的:探讨高山滑雪运动(AS)踝关节急性期损伤MRI特点。方法:搜集27例AS运动踝关节急性损伤患者(共29个踝关节损伤)作为实验组;随机选取30例普通外伤踝关节患者(共30个踝关节损伤)作为对照组。采用3.0T MRI和相控阵线圈进行踝关节扫描。由2名放射科主治医师评估膝关节骨、软骨、韧带、肌腱等损伤。结果:实验组多结构联合损伤29(100%)个;对照组多结构联合损伤24(80.00%)个。MRI显示实验组内踝、外踝、胫骨滑车、距骨、跟骨、舟骨、骰骨挫伤/骨折分别为14、12、12、17、15、13、14个,对照组分别为7、5、5、9、8、6、6个;实验组内侧胫距关节软骨、外侧胫骨关节软骨、距下关节软骨、距跟舟关节软骨、距骰关节软骨损伤分别为16、15、14、12、13个,对照组分别为8、6、7、5、5个;实验组三角韧带、距腓前韧带、距腓后韧带、跟腓韧带、下胫腓前韧带、下胫腓后韧带损伤分别为16、17、13、16、15、12个,对照组分别为8、9、6、9、7、5个;实验组拇长屈肌肌腱、趾长屈肌肌腱、胫骨后肌肌腱、腓骨长短肌肌腱、拇长伸肌肌腱,趾长伸肌肌腱、胫骨前肌肌腱损、跟腱损伤分别为14、15、14、14、14、13、14、15个,对照组分别为7、7、6、7、6、6、7、8个。两组损伤发生率差异具有统计学意义(P均<0.05)。实验组关节软骨损伤0、Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ、Ⅳ级分别为75、33、16、11、10个,对照组分别为119、12、7、6、6个;实验组韧带损伤0、Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ级分别为68、58、31、17个,对照组分别为124、31、13、12个;实验组肌腱损伤0、Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ级分别为105、82、31、14个,对照组分别为171、45、15、9个。两组损伤程度差异具有统计学意义(P均<0.001)。实验组常见多个解剖部位、多发性骨挫伤/骨折,而对照组常见直接撞击部位的骨挫伤/骨折。实验组关节软骨常表现≥Ⅱ级损伤,而对照组软骨损伤常表现Ⅰ级损伤。实验组多表现为多条韧带联合损伤,以Ⅱ级损伤居多;对照组以单条韧带损伤为主,以Ⅰ级损表现居多。实验组常表现多条肌腱Ⅰ级损伤,对照组常表现单条Ⅰ级损伤。结论:滑雪运动踝关节损伤为骨髓、软骨、韧带及肌腱的联合损伤,正确认识滑雪运动踝关节急性期损伤的MRI表现,对早期诊断、踝关节功能恢复有重要意义。     

Incidence and MR imaging features of fractures of the anterior process of calcaneus in a consecutive patient population with ankle and foot symptoms

Objective To determine the incidence, appearances and associated injuries of fractures affecting the anterior process of calcaneus from a general population with foot and ankle symptoms.Design and patients A retrospective review of foot and ankle MR imaging procedures was performed for detection of cases with a fracture affecting the anterior process of calcaneus over a four year period. Radiographs, MR imaging studies, radiology reports, medical records, and operative notes were reviewed. Imaging analysis included fracture pattern, displacement, associated fractures, and presence of tendon and ligamentous injuries.Results The incidence of anterior process of calcaneus fracture on MR imaging was 0.5% (14/2577). Fractures were more common in female subjects (71%, 10/14). Fracture orientation was predominantly vertical (93%, 13/14). No comminuted fractures were seen and only three fractures were displaced. Three of the eight MR imaging evident fractures of anterior process of calcaneus were seen on radiographs. Associated fractures of the talus (n=5), navicular bone (n=3), cuboid (n=2), and calcaneal body (n=1) were noted. Associated injuries to the anterior talofibular ligament (n=3) and tears of the peroneus brevis (n=3) and peroneus longus (n=1) tendons were present. All fractures were treated non-operatively. Two patients had subtalar joint steroid injection for symptomatic relief.Conclusions Fractures of the anterior process of the calcaneus are uncommon in MR examinations of a general population of patients with foot and ankle symptoms. Although anterior process of calcaneus fractures are rare, there was a moderately high incidence of associated bone and soft-tissue injuries.     

距下关节截骨缓慢延长治疗陈旧性跟骨骨折

目的 伴有距下关节损伤的陈旧性跟骨骨折,目前主要是采用距下关节原位融合术和距下关节牵伸骨块植入融合术治疗,在此介绍一种新手术方式,距下关节截骨外固定支架缓慢延长手术,并评估其疗效.方法 12例15足(单足9例,双足3例)陈旧性跟距关节骨折脱位,年龄16～53岁,平均33.6岁.闭合性7例(10足),开放型性5例(5足)...     

Peroneal tendon pathology: Pre- and post-operative high resolution US and MR imaging

Peroneal tendon pathology is an important cause of lateral ankle pain and instability. Typical peroneal tendon disorders include tendinitis, tenosynovitis, partial and full thickness tendon tears, peroneal retinacular injuries, and tendon subluxations and dislocations. Surgery is usually indicated when conservative treatment fails. Familiarity with the peroneal tendon surgeries and expected postoperative imaging findings is essential for accurate assessment and to avoid diagnostic pitfalls. Cross-sectional imaging, especially ultrasound and MRI provide accurate pre-operative and post-operative evaluation of the peroneal tendon pathology. In this review article, the normal anatomy, clinical presentation, imaging features, pitfalls and commonly performed surgical treatments for peroneal tendon abnormalities will be reviewed. The role of dynamic ultrasound and kinematic MRI for the evaluation of peroneal tendons will be discussed. Normal and abnormal postsurgical imaging appearances will be illustrated.     

Rupture of the posterior tibial tendon: CT and surgical findings

Computed tomography (CT) was performed in 42 patients with 49 clinically suspected tears of the posterior tibial tendon. Twenty-eight of the 49 suspected tears were subsequently surgically explored and repaired. Three patterns of tendon abnormalities were recognized on CT scans: type I-intact, hypertrophied, heterogeneous tendon; type II-attenuated tendon; and type III-absence of a portion of a tendon. Types I and II correlated with partial rupture seen during surgery, and type III correlated with complete rupture of the tendon. CT findings were accurate in 96% of the patients who underwent surgery. In four cases (14%), tendon rupture was seen on CT scans, but the extent of the injury was underestimated and the rupture was misclassified. Reactive periostitis of the distal tibia was seen in 71% of diseased tendons and may represent an important factor in the diagnosis of tendon rupture.     

Correlation of morphologic and pathologic features of the various tendon groups around the ankle: MR imaging investigation

Objective

To determine if a statistical association exists between abnormalities in one ankle tendon group (i.e., peroneal, medial flexor, or Achilles) and those in another.

Materials and methods

A retrospective analysis of 1.5-T and 3-T MR ankle examinations in 100 patients conducted between November 1, 2011 and April 1, 2012 was performed. The cross-sectional areas and diameters of the ankle tendons—Achilles (ACH), peroneus brevis (PB) and longus (PL), tibialis posterior (TP), flexor digitorum longus (FDL), and flexor hallux longus (FHL)—were measured, and the results were correlated to determine any association with the presence of qualitative abnormalities (tenosynovitis, tendinosis, and tendon tearing).

Results

Subjects with larger diameters of the ACH tendon also revealed larger PL, TP, FDL, and FHL tendon diameters and sectional areas. Furthermore, subjects with larger PL tendons generally revealed larger flexor tendons and the same was also true when medial compartment tendons were individually assessed and measurements compared among the three of them. There was a statistically significant association with regard to the presence of tendon abnormalities (tendinosis, tenosynovitis, and tearing) in both the peroneal and medial flexor tendons. The presence of an abnormality in the ACH tendon correlated strongly with increasing diameters and areas of all the other ankle tendons except for the PB tendon.

Conclusions

There is an association between quantitative and qualitative abnormalities of one group of tendons when compared with the others with respect to the ACH, medial flexor, and peroneal tendons of the ankle, which is perhaps explained by a retinacular and fascial complex that anatomically connects the three groups.     

Calcaneal fractures: CT aspects

Calcaneal fractures account for 33.3% of foot fractures and 1.5% of all fractures. They were divided by Warrick and Brenner into two main groups according to whether they modify the astragalocalcaneal joint or not. Given the anatomical complexity of the foot, conventional X-rays are not always able to correctly visualize the articular facets and therefore provide insufficient information as to the characteristics of the fracture line, the position of bone fragments, and the involvement of capsulo-ligamentous structures. The authors report their personal experience with CT in the study of 12 patients with monolateral calcaneal fractures previously diagnosed on conventional X-rays. High-resolution CT (HRCT) was employed with 3-mm contiguous sections on the axial and the coronal planes. CT was used to study the normal anatomy of the foot and to evaluate 3 patients with calcaneal fracture without impaction of the posterior facet; 9 patients with impaction into the calcaneal body were also examined with CT. In the first 3 cases, an oblique fracture line was observed crossing from craniolateral to mediocaudal and thus dividing the calcaneus into 2 large fragments: sustentaculum tali and posterior facet of the talar joint. In the extant 9 cases the impaction of the posterior facet was indicated by an interruption in lateral and/or medial calcaneal walls. In 2/9 cases bone fragments were seen in the tarsal sinus, in 4/9 the sustentacular fragment was displaced, in 2 the cuboid bone was impacted into the anterior process of the calcaneus and, finally, in 7/9 cases a lateral/medial dislocation of the calcaneal tuberosity was observed. On the basis of these results, CT proved to be of greater value than conventional X-rays in the imaging of calcaneal fractures and to have a fundamental role every time an accurate evaluation of the region is needed to plan treatment.     

Operative treatment of peroneusbrevis and peroneus longus tendon tears

The peroneal tendons provide important functions to the foot and ankle including stabilization of the lateral ankle and plantar flexion of the first ray. Injury to the peroneal tendons might occur as a result of an ankle or peroneal tendon instability or a local degenerative process. Conservative management for peroneal tendon tears is not uniformly successful and surgical management remains a common method for treatment. The peroneal tendon rupture might be treated by simple repair of isolated longitudinal rupture, by excision of degenerative tendon and longitudinal repair of the remaining tendon, or by excision of degenerative tendon and side-to-side tenodesis for extensive tendon damage. Stability of the tendons also is addressed by bony and or soft tissue stabilization procedures.