Os peroneum friction syndrome complicated by sesamoid fatigue fracture: a new radiological diagnosis?

Injuries to the peroneal tendons are relatively common worldwide but tendon rupture without significant trauma is uncommon. Ankle mechanics can be seriously affected by disruption of one or both of the peroneal tendons although complete rupture can also remain asymptomatic. Accessory ossicles are sesamoid bones and are common findings in routine radiology of the foot and ankle. Although in the vast majority these “os” are normal variants of anatomy, they can lead to painful syndromes and suffer fractures and even undergo degenerative changes in response to overuse and trauma. Although similar syndromes have been discussed in the surgical literature, there is a lack of literature describing the use of modern imaging in the accurate diagnosis and its subsequent assistance towards appropriate management of os peroneum friction syndrome complicated by sesamoid fatigue syndrome. This article presents the plain film, sonographic and magnetic resonance imaging findings in a case of os peroneum friction syndrome complicated by a sesamoid fatigue fracture as well as reviewing the pertinent literature.