Surgical stabilisation of the proximal tibiofibular joint using temporary fixation
A technical note
Published online: Dec 27 2004
Michel P. J. VAN DEN BEKEROM, Adam WEIR, Rudolf E. VAN DER FLIER
From the Medical Centre Haaglanden, Antoniushove Hospital, Leidschendam, The Netherlands
Abstract
Proximal tibiofibular instability is a symptomatic
hypermobility of this joint possibly associated with
subluxation. It is a rare condition both in clinical
practice and in literature.
The treatment of choice for proximal tibiofibular
instability remains conservative, using a brace 1 cm
underneath the head of the fibula. If no improvement
is noted after six months of conservative treatment,
surgical intervention can be considered : there are
several options, such as resection of the head of the
fibula, permanent arthrodesis of the proximal
tibiofibular joint, reconstruction using either the tendon
of the biceps femoris or a portion of the iliotibial
tract, or temporary (three to six months) fixation
using a screw together with release of the peroneal
nerve.