The common fibular (peroneal) tendon sheath is the synovial sleeve that wraps peroneus longus and brevis as they curve behind the lateral malleolus under the superior peroneal retinaculum. Below the malleolus it splits into separate sheaths for each tendon. It lets the tendons glide, and it is the site of peroneal tenosynovitis and split tears.
| Location | Outer side of the ankle, behind and below the lateral malleolus |
|---|---|
| Boundaries |
|
| Contents |
|
Lets the two fibular tendons glide around the back of the lateral malleolus. Tenosynovitis, split tears of peroneus brevis and tendon dislocation all occur here.
Peroneal retromalleolar bursal inflammation produces posterior to the lateral malleolus pain, swelling, and tenderness over the peroneal tendon groove. It may accompany peroneal tenosynovitis, peroneal tendon tear, or superior peroneal retinaculum injury. Ultrasound differentiates bursitis from tendon tear by demonstrating an echo-free fluid collection separate from the tendon sheath. Treatment is anti-inflammatory therapy, corticosteroid injection into the bursa with ultrasound guidance, and orthotic support. In persistent cases, retromalleolar groove deepening surgery addresses the underlying bony anatomy.
Lateral ankle sprain injuring the superior peroneal retinaculum produces concurrent retromalleolar bursitis with swelling and point tenderness posterior to the lateral malleolus; distinguished from peroneal tendon tear by ultrasound showing intact tendons and isolated bursal fluid collection managed by injection.
This website uses cookies to enhance your experience. Some are essential for site functionality, while others help us analyze and improve your usage experience. Please review your options and make your choice.
If you are under 16 years old, please ensure that you have received consent from your parent or guardian for any non-essential cookies.
Your privacy is important to us. You can adjust your cookie settings at any time. For more information about how we use data, please read our privacy policy. You may change your preferences at any time by clicking on the settings button below.
Note that if you choose to disable some types of cookies, it may impact your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer.
Some required resources have been blocked, which can affect third-party services and may cause the site to not function properly.
This website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience and ensure the site functions properly. By continuing to use this site, you acknowledge and accept our use of cookies.
