The peroneus brevis tendon inserts at the styloid process (tuberosity) at the base of the fifth metatarsal. The distal peroneus brevis tendon wraps around the posterior lateral malleolus and beneath the superior peroneal retinaculum before inserting at the styloid. The tuberosity is the attachment point subject to avulsion fracture in ankle inversion and the site of longitudinal splitting of the peroneus brevis in the retromalleolar groove.
The peroneus brevis insertion at the fifth metatarsal styloid is the site of zone 1 avulsion fractures (the most common fifth metatarsal fracture) from acute ankle inversion. The peroneal muscles contract to resist inversion and avulse the styloid with the tendon attached. Treatment is conservative (weight-bearing as tolerated) as the fracture typically heals with the tendon. The tendon also demonstrates longitudinal splits in the retromalleolar groove proximal to the insertion, detected by MRI and managed by split repair or debridement in the groove.
Sudden ankle inversion with peroneus brevis contraction avulses the fifth metatarsal styloid at zone 1, producing lateral foot pain and a transversely oriented fracture at the tuberosity base on radiograph; treatment is symptomatic weight-bearing as tolerated as zone 1 fractures consistently heal with conservative management unlike the high non-union risk of zone 2 Jones fractures.
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.
