Morphological evaluation of the peroneal groove through magnetic nuclear resonance in adult population

Abstract

Introduction: Reviewing the literature we note that traditionally the morphology of peroneal groove has been recognized like concave form. The presence of a flat or convex groove has been considered as abnormal and possible causal agent of pathologies on the peroneal tendons. Objectives: Evaluate the morphology of the peroneal groove by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in adults and secondarily, determine differences in morphology groove by sex. Methods: Crosssectional study. The morphology of the peroneal groove was evaluated in MRI in patients without associated pathologies on the lateral side of the ankle, determining whether a concave, flat or convex morphology is present at 1cm, 1.5cm and 2cm from the distal apex of the fibula. Results: 98 patients with their respective MRI met inclusion criteria. The shape of the peroneal groove 1cm from the apex of the fibula was concave in 28 patients, flat in 54 patients and convex in 16 patients. 1.5cm from the ápex we found concave grooves in 10 patients, flat grooves in 74 patients and 14 patients with convex grooves. 2cm from the ápex, concave grooves where found in 5 patients, flat grooves in 64 patients and convex in 29 patients. We found no differences in morphology associated with gender. Conclusion: Our study showed a clear difference to what was published in the classical literature. The predominant morphology of the peroneal groove was flat or convex at the three levels evaluated, with no differences by sex.