(POPS) occurs when an accessory ossicle located within the peroneus longus tendon becomes symptomatic.
(POPS) occurs when an accessory ossicle located within the peroneus longus tendon becomes symptomatic. While there are many accessory bones of the foot, not all of them are clinically significant. However, the os peroneum can become symptomatic due to a variety of conditions, often presenting as lateral midfoot pain.
Its rarity and the lack of clinical suspicion by practitioners make it easy to overlook during diagnosis. POPS is a rare clinically entity who's epidemiology is limited to a series of case reports Illustration of os peroneum and location of pain when symptomatic.POPS can be involved in various pathological conditions, including acute or stress fractures, diastasis, tenosynovitis, multipartite formation, or rupture of the peroneus longus tendon. Rupture may occur due to a strong contraction of the muscle combined with sudden inversion or supination of the foot.
The presence of the Os Peroneum is thought to predispose individuals to tendon rupture, likely due to increased friction with adjacent structures. Acute os peroneum fracture from trauma.Acute POPS typically occurs due to trauma, such as an ankle sprain or supination injury, leading to a fracture of the ossicle. It may or may not be associated with a rupture of the peroneus longus tendon.
Chronic POPS, on the other hand, is linked to the healing of a fracture, often accompanied by calcification, remodeling, or diastasis. This chronic condition can result in tenosynovitis of the peroneus longus tendon. Illustration of os peroneum anatomy (and proximal 5th met fractures) The Os Peroneum is located on the lateral aspect of the cuboid, near the cubital tunnel and the calcaneocuboid joint, and is embedded within the peroneus longus tendon.
While it is present in a cartilaginous form in everyone, it ossifies in up to 26% of the population and is best visualized on oblique radiographs of the foot. The peroneus longus muscle originates from the fibula and intermuscular septa, inserting on the medial cuneiform and the plantar aspect of the fifth metatarsal. Its primary actions are plantarflexion and eversion of the foot.
If you are experiencing symptoms that may be related to painful os peroneum syndrome, it is important to see a sports medicine physician. Early evaluation and treatment typically lead to better outcomes. Do not ignore pain or symptoms that are limiting your activity.
*This article is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.*
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