MRI finding most consistent with a longitudinal split tear of the peroneus brevis?

MRI finding most consistent with a longitudinal split tear of the peroneus brevis?

• A. Chevron shape on the tendon
• B. Bone marrow edema in calcaneus
• C. Complete rupture at insertion
• D. Longitudinal split within tendon

Answer: (D)

A longitudinal split tear of the peroneus brevis is defined by a tear that runs along the length of the tendon, producing a visible longitudinal cleft that can divide the tendon into two strands on MRI. Fluid within that split and the presence of two tendon slips are classic clues. This pattern directly reflects the lesion described, making it the best fit for a longitudinal split tear. Other MRI findings point to different problems: bone marrow edema in the calcaneus suggests a bone or stress-related injury, not an intratendinous split; a complete rupture at the insertion would show discontinuity where the tendon attaches to the fifth metatarsal; a chevron shape isn’t a recognized feature of this tear.

A longitudinal split tear of the peroneus brevis is defined by a tear that runs along the length of the tendon, producing a visible longitudinal cleft that can divide the tendon into two strands on MRI. Fluid within that split and the presence of two tendon slips are classic clues. This pattern directly reflects the lesion described, making it the best fit for a longitudinal split tear. Other MRI findings point to different problems: bone marrow edema in the calcaneus suggests a bone or stress-related injury, not an intratendinous split; a complete rupture at the insertion would show discontinuity where the tendon attaches to the fifth metatarsal; a chevron shape isn’t a recognized feature of this tear.