Anterolateral dislocation of the head of the fibula in sports

Traumatic anterolateral dislocation of the fibular head is an uncommon sports injury which is easily overlooked. Seventeen cases have been collected during private practice over the years. The typical mechanism of injury is a fall on the affected flexed knee with the leg adducted under the body and the ankle inverted. On physical examination there is an obvious bony prominence laterally of the fibular head and varying disability with activities; there is no significant effusion or signs of internal knee derangement or instability. Comparison identical radiographic views are necessary to confirm the diagnosis: on the anteroposterior view the fibular head is displaced laterally and the proximal interosseous space is widened; on the lateral view there is a greater overlap of the fibula on the tibia on the affected side. Peroneal nerve and ankle injuries can occur concomitantly with anterolateral proximal tibiofibular dislocation. Treatment options are closed or open reduction acutely and local strapping or fibular head resection for chronic cases based upon time of presentation and disability.     

A physeal-sparing fibular collateral ligament and proximal tibiofibular joint reconstruction in a skeletally immature athlete

The purpose of this report was to describe the surgical technique for and outcomes after a modified physeal-sparing posterolateral corner reconstruction in a 12-year-old skeletally immature male with a mid-substance fibular collateral ligament tear, a proximal posterior tibiofibular ligament tear, and an anterior cruciate ligament avulsion fracture of the medial tibial eminence. A modified physeal-sparing posterolateral corner reconstruction was used to provide a near-anatomic reconstruction of the fibular collateral ligament and proximal posterior tibiofibular ligament. An anterior cruciate ligament repair was also performed. Varus stress radiographs obtained at 6 months postoperatively demonstrated resolution of lateral knee stability. Physical examination results demonstrated stability to anterior tibial translation and a stable proximal tibiofibular joint. Computed tomography showed that the surgical technique successfully avoided breeching the patient’s physes.     

Proximal fibular growth deformities

Several congenital and acquired conditions may cause relative disparity between the length of the tibia and fibula, with alteration of the proximal tibiofibular joint and concomitant (or consequent) alteration of the distal tibiofibular relationships at both the malleoli and syndesmosis. Hypoplasia of the fibula may occur in association with neuromuscular disorders (e.g., poliomyelitis, arthrogryposis) or osteomyelitis, and is frequently accompanied by valgus deformity of the ankle because of proximal displacement of the lateral malleolus. The physes of the distal fibula and tibia may be level, rather than the fibular physis being adjacent to the tibial articular surface. Hyperplasia of the fibula may be associated with congenital subluxation or dislocation of the knee, various short stature syndromes (e.g., achondroplasia, spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia), and hypoplasia, or aplasia of the tibia. The increased mobility of the proximal tibiofibular joint during the first eight to ten years of growth appears to be a major factor tendering the proximal end of the fibula susceptible to displacement secondary to relative longitudinal growth variations between the fibula and tibia. Recognition of such disparities at the proximal tibiofibular joint, especially during roentgenography, should aleri the clinician to further evaluate possible accompanying deformity at the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis.     

Bilateral non-osteochondroma-related proximal tibiofibular synostosis

We report the case of a 67-year-old male with bilateral proximal tibiofibular synostosis, presenting with unilateral symptoms. The patient complained of pain around the left fibular head, which was attributed to incomplete bone bridging between the proximal tibia and fibula; he underwent proximal fibular head resection, which alleviated the pain and improved knee mobility. Eleven months later, the patient continued to be pain-free and did not experience any adverse effects. An examination of this case and a review of similar cases revealed that participation in sport activities such as long-distance running may be one of the causes of proximal tibiofibular synostosis. In this report, we have also reconsidered the classification of proximal tibiofibular synostosis and provided information for a better understanding of this unusual condition.     

聚对苯二甲酸乙二酯人工韧带重建治疗下胫腓联合体损伤中期疗效分析

目的观察聚对苯二甲酸乙二酯(polyethylene terephthalate,PET)人工韧带以不同固定方式重建治疗下胫腓联合体损伤的中期临床疗效。方法回顾性分析2013年3月~2014年12月应用PET韧带重建治疗27例下胫腓联合体损伤,男性16例,女性11例;年龄22~47岁,平均35.5岁。其中伴踝部骨折26例,单纯下胫腓联合体损伤1例;采用双侧悬吊技术或者单侧悬吊加可吸收螺钉挤压螺钉固定技术。结果对患者随访18~23(20.4±1.3)个月。术后X线片显示下胫腓联合间隙、踝穴解剖正常,至术后18个月无复位丢失。美国足踝外科协会(AOFAS)踝关节功能评分评定疗效,优18例,良8例,一般1例。结论PET人工韧带重建术能够提供短时间恢复功能所需要的高韧性,早期恢复踝关节活动范围。采用单侧悬吊加可吸收螺钉挤压螺钉固定技术可明显缩短手术时间。     

MRI findings associated with distal tibiofibular syndesmosis injury

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to describe the MRI findings associated with acute and chronic distal tibiofibular syndesmosis injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-four 1.5-T MRIs of ankles of 90 individuals with histories of severe sprain were assessed by two musculoskeletal radiologists for syndesmosis injury (acute, edema of the syndesmosis; chronic, disruption or thickening of the syndesmosis without edema). We examined associated MRI findings, including anterior talofibular ligament injury (scar, chronic injury; edema, acute injury), bone bruise, osteochondral lesion, tibiofibular joint congruity, tibiofibular recess height, and osteoarthritis. The Fisher's exact test and analysis of variance test were used to evaluate the significance of the associations. RESULTS: In 94 ankles, syndesmosis injury was seen in 63% (n = 59; 23 acute; 36 chronic). Anterior talofibular ligament injury (acute or chronic) was seen on MRIs in 74% (n = 70; 49 with syndesmosis injury; 21 without; p = 0.03). Bone bruises were present in 24% (n = 23; 18/23 acute; 4/36 chronic; 4/35 no injury; p < 0.0001). Of these, talar dome osteochondral lesions were present in 28% (n = 26; 11/23 acute; 14/36 chronic; 1/35 no injury; p = 0.0001; 13 medial; 13 lateral). The tibiofibular joint was incongruent in 33% (n = 31; 6/23 acute; 21/36 chronic; 4/35 no injury; p < 0.0001). The tibiofibular recess (mean +/- SD) was 1.2 +/- 0.92 cm in acute cases, 1.4 +/- 0.57 cm in chronic cases, and 0.54 +/- 0.68 cm in cases with no syndesmosis injury (p < 0.0001). Osteoarthritis was present in 10% (n = 9; 1/23 acute; 7/36 chronic; 1/35 no injury; p = 0.06). CONCLUSION: Injury to the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis has a significant association with a number of secondary findings on MRI, including anterior talofibular ligament injury, bone bruises, osteochondral lesions, tibiofibular joint congruity, and height of the tibiofibular recess.     

A technical solution for secondary arthritis due to chronic proximal tibiofibular joint instability

Chronic instability of the proximal tibiofibular joint is an uncommon diagnosis and not frequently reported in the literature. The management options of this joint instability, complicated with secondary arthritis, have rarely been discussed and consist mainly of fibular head resection or arthrodesis of this joint. We describe a new technical procedure for addressing both the instability and the joint secondary arthritis. Stability of the joint is achieved by ligament reconstruction using a biceps femoris split passed through the tibial metaphysis and fixated back to the fibular head using bone anchors. The arthritic changes are addressed by interposition of a vascularized fascia lata strip. The described procedure offers a firm stabilization with no need for postoperative restrictions and an alternative to the inadvisable joint arthrodesis or resection. Received: 18 January 1999 Accepted: 28 May 1999     

103例踝关节骨折脱位的治疗

目的：总结踝关节骨折脱位治疗的经验,方法对１９８７－１９９７年１０３例踝关节骨折脱位治疗情况进行分析,随访６个月－５年,平均２年３个月,采用Ｗｅｂｅｒ评分标准评定临床疗效。结果手法治疗３８例：优１３例（３４％）,良１８例（４７％）,差７例（１９％）,优良率为８２％,其中单纯外踝骨折１４例,仅１４％（２／１４）获得解剖复位,但临床疗效优良率达（１３／１４）,手术治疗６５例;优３４例（５２％）良２３例     

A synovial ganglion of the knee: two cases in athletes

The objective of the study is to describe two cases of proximal tibiofibular ganglion cysts in high level athletes. In May 2003 and March 2005 two athletes (one tennis player in the top eighty of the Italian national ranking and a gymnast belonging to the Italian rhythmic gymnastics national team) were referred to our institution complaining of postero-lateral knee discomfort and the presence of localized swelling over the fibular head and the antero-lateral aspect of the leg, with a clinically suspected diagnosis of ganglion cyst of the proximal tibiofibular joint. Ultrasonography clearly detected the fluid-filled structures while magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the diagnosis, also showing precisely the anatomic relationship between the ganglions and the surrounding structures. Both athletes underwent surgical excision and the histological examination was compatible with a proximal tibiofibular joint ganglion cyst; as yet they have had no recurrence.     

Distal fibular notch: a frequent manifestation of the rheumatoid ankle

 Objective. To describe the distal fibular notch, an infrequently described manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis, and to speculate on its etiology through gross dissection, histologic correlation and MR imaging. Design and patients: One hundred and twenty-one conventional ankle radiographs were obtained and reviewed in 76 patients with clinically diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis. Additional imaging of three ankles was obtained utilizing CT and MR imaging. In addition to evaluating erosive changes, note was made of the presence and location of a well-defined scalloped defect along the medial border of the distal fibula. Ankle specimen dissection and histoanatomic examination was performed in an attempt to determine the exact pathogenesis of this fibular notch. Results. The distal fibular notch was identified in 52 of 121 ankles (43%). Seventy-five percent of notches were syndesmotic and extended down to the horizontal ankle joint level, while 25% of notches were syndesmotic with extension below the joint. The majority of ankles (79%) demonstrated coexistent marginal erosions and/or joint narrowing. Ankle specimen dissection revealed a single-celled synovial fold within the distal tibiofibular syndesmotic recess without underlying articular cartilage extension. Conclusion: The fibular notch within the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis is a frequent manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis and appears to result from synovial proliferation rather than from mechanical instability.     

Correlation between radiological assessment of acute ankle fractures and syndesmotic injury on MRI

Objective

Owing to the shortcomings of clinical examination and radiographs, injury to the syndesmotic ligaments is often misdiagnosed. When there is no indication requiring that the fractured ankle be operated on, the syndesmosis is not tested intra-operatively, and rupture of this ligamentous complex may be missed. Subsequently the patient is not treated properly leading to chronic complaints such as instability, pain, and swelling. We evaluated three fracture classification methods and radiographic measurements with respect to syndesmotic injury.

Materials and methods

Prospectively the radiographs of 51 consecutive ankle fractures were classified according to Weber, AO-Müller, and Lauge-Hansen. Both the fracture type and additional measurements of the tibiofibular clear space (TFCS), tibiofibular overlap (TFO), medial clear space (MCS), and superior clear space (SCS) were used to assess syndesmotic injury. MRI, as standard of reference, was performed to evaluate the integrity of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis. The sensitivity and specificity for detection of syndesmotic injury with radiography were compared to MRI.

Results

The Weber and AO-Müller fracture classification system, in combination with additional measurements, detected syndesmotic injury with a sensitivity of 47% and a specificity of 100%, and Lauge-Hansen with both a sensitivity and a specificity of 92%. TFCS and TFO did not correlate with syndesmotic injury, and a widened MCS did not correlate with deltoid ligament injury.

Conclusion

Syndesmotic injury as predicted by the Lauge-Hansen fracture classification correlated well with MRI findings. With MRI the extent of syndesmotic injury and therefore fracture stage can be assessed more accurately compared to radiographs.     

Lauge-Hansen旋前外展Ⅲ度踝骨折特点及下胫腓联合复位情况分析

目的探讨Lauge-Hansen旋前外展III度踝骨折(PA-Ⅲ度踝骨折)特点和下胫腓联合(ITFS)复位质量。方法回顾性分析2015年4月—2016年10月天津医院足踝外科入院诊断为PA-Ⅲ踝骨折患者52例,男性44例,女性8例;年龄15~74岁,平均37.7岁;右踝18例,左踝34例。由1名主治医师阅读伤后踝X线片并作出诊断,主任医师联合三维CT观察踝骨折特点修正诊断,对比分析误诊组和确诊组内踝骨折、Tillaux结节骨折及下胫腓联合分离、外踝骨折部位、类型、主要骨折线方向和主要骨折块位置。术后X线及CT确定ITFS复位质量,间隙与胫距间隙差值>2mm确定为复位不良。结果52例患者根据伤后X线检查确诊为PA-Ⅲ度踝骨折,三维CT分析踝骨折特点后证实21例误诊,误诊率40.38%。两组在内踝骨折、外踝骨折、Tillaux结节骨折及下胫腓联合分离比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);两组在外踝骨折类型、主要骨折线方向、主要骨折块位置比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),在外踝骨折平面比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。确诊组患者中术后ITFS复位不良7例(22.6%)。结论单纯依靠X线片诊断PA-Ⅲ度踝骨折误诊率较高,CT三维重建观察外踝骨折类型、主要骨折线方向和骨折块位置可辅助确诊。PA-Ⅲ度踝骨折术后ITFS复位不良发生率较高。     

Traumatic proximal tibiofibular dislocation

Traumatic proximal tibiofibular dislocation is a rare injury that is often unrecognized or misdiagnosed at the initial presentation because of a lack of clinical suspicion. When diagnosed, the injury should be promptly reduced. Missed injuries or late presentations are a potential source of chronic morbidity. This article describes the relevant anatomy, classifications, and diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. The authors stress the importance of evaluating the distal syndesmotic ligaments and the interosseous membrane because the mechanism of trauma can also cause a disruption of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis. In the presence of syndesmotic instability, prompt stabilization is advocated. Whether syndesmotic stabilization is indicated in cases of a syndesmotic sprain is controversial. An illustrative case is also presented of a 28-year-old male soccer player who sustained a proximal tibiofibular dislocation after a violent twisting motion of the right knee.     

Three-dimensional volume rendering of tibiofibular joint space and quantitative analysis of change in volume due to tibiofibular syndesmosis diastases

OBJECTIVE: The diagnosis of ankle syndesmosis injuries is made by various imaging techniques. The present study was undertaken to examine whether the three-dimensional reconstruction of axial CT images and calculation of the volume of tibiofibular joint space enhances the sensitivity of diastases diagnoses or not. DESIGN: Six adult cadaveric ankle specimens were used for spiral CT-scan assessment of tibiofibular syndesmosis. After the specimens were dissected, external fixation was performed and diastases of 1, 2, and 3 mm was simulated by a precalibrated device. Helical CT scans were obtained with 1.0-mm slice thickness. The data was transferred to the computer software AcquariusNET. Then the contours of the tibiofibular syndesmosis joint space were outlined on each axial CT slice and the collection of these slices were stacked using the computer software AutoCAD 2005, according to the spatial arrangement and geometrical coordinates between each slice, to produce a three-dimensional reconstruction of the joint space. The area of each slice and the volume of the entire tibiofibular joint space were calculated. The tibiofibular joint space at the 10th-mm slice level was also measured on axial CT scan images at normal, 1, 2 and 3-mm joint space diastases. RESULTS: The three-dimensional volume-rendering of the tibiofibular syndesmosis joint space from the spiral CT data demonstrated the shape of the joint space and has been found to be a sensitive method for calculating joint space volume. We found that, from normal to 1 mm, a 1-mm diastasis increases approximately 43% of the joint space volume, while from 1 to 3 mm, there is about a 20% increase for each 1-mm increase. CONCLUSIONS: Volume calculation using this method can be performed in cases of syndesmotic instability after ankle injuries and for preoperative and postoperative evaluation of the integrity of the tibiofibular syndesmosis.     

Deltoid Ligament and Tibiofibular Syndesmosis Injury in Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Evaluation at 3T and Comparison with Arthroscopy

Objective

To evaluate the prevalence of deltoid ligament and distal tibiofibular syndesmosis injury on 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI).

Materials and Methods

Fifty patients (mean age, 35 years) who had undergone preoperative 3T MRI and surgical treatment for CLAI were enrolled. The prevalence of deltoid ligament and syndesmosis injury were assessed. The complexity of lateral collateral ligament complex (LCLC) injury was correlated with prevalence of deltoid or syndesmosis injuries. The diagnostic accuracy of ankle ligament imaging at 3T MRI was analyzed using arthroscopy as a reference standard.

Results

On MRI, deltoid ligament injury was identified in 18 (36%) patients as follows: superficial ligament alone, 9 (50%); deep ligament alone 2 (11%); and both ligaments 7 (39%). Syndesmosis abnormality was found in 21 (42%) patients as follows: anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament (AITFL) alone, 19 (90%); and AITFL and interosseous ligament, 2 (10%). There was no correlation between LCLC injury complexity and the prevalence of an accompanying deltoid or syndesmosis injury on both MRI and arthroscopic findings. MRI sensitivity and specificity for detection of deltoid ligament injury were 84% and 93.5%, and those for detection of syndesmosis injury were 91% and 100%, respectively.

Conclusion

Deltoid ligament or syndesmosis injuries were common in patients undergoing surgery for CLAI, regardless of the LCLC injury complexity. 3T MRI is helpful for the detection of all types of ankle ligament injury. Therefore, careful interpretation of pre-operative MRI is essential.     

Radiology of postnatal skeletal development

Initially the distal tibial physis is a relatively transverse structure. As the epiphysis matures, undulations develop within the physis and lappet formation occurs peripherally. Within the first two years a significant physeal undulation develops anteriorly above the medial malleolus. This undulation must not be misinterpreted as premature epiphyseodesis following distal tibial fracture. Secondary ossification in the distal tibia begins centrally and initially expands to fill the area over the tibial plafond. At the lateral side of the tibial epiphysis the ossification center may be wedgeshaped. The medial margin adjacent to the medial malleolus is often irregular and may show small peripheral foci of ossification. By seven to eight vears, the secondary center extends into the medial malleolus, with complete distal extension often not occurring until adolescence (although usually complete by ten to eleven years). The malleolar tip may exhibit an accessory ossification center. However, this center also may be a traumatic avulsion in the symptomatic patient. Physiologic epiphyseodesis begins over the medial malleolus and subsequently extends laterally. This pattern of closure appears to predispose to fracture of the lateral portion of the distal tibial epiphysis (fracture of Tillaux), as well as to triplane fractures. The articular surface curves onto the lateral side of the distal tibia to form an articulation with the lateral malleolus (distal tibiofibular joint). A similar extension occurs along the medial side of the fibula. These surfaces extend proximally as a recess to the level of the distal tibial physis, at which point the syndesmosis begins. The initially transverse distal fibular physis becomes a convoluted structure, with extensive peripheral lappet formation. Within these regions of physeal overlap there may be small areas of accessory ossification (both medially and laterally) that should not be misinterpreted as fractures. This overlapping also minimizes specific physeal separation and displacement (especially when compared to the incidence of distal tibial physeal injuries). Stress views may be necessary to show such an undisplaced fracture. The fibular physis normally is level with the tibial articular surface or distal extent of the tibial ossification center, especially after the second year of life (however, it may be more proximal in infants). As in the medial malleolus, there may be accessory ossification at the tip of the fibula. While this usually is a normal variant of secondary ossification, occasionally it also may result from trauma. Extensive porosity of the distal fibular metaphysis predisposes to buckling or torus injuries that may have severe, multiangular deformation.     

The clock face guide to peroneal intraneural ganglia: critical “times” and sites for accurate diagnosis

Objective  The aim of this study is to exploit the normal nature of peroneal nerve anatomy to identify constant magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) patterns in peroneal intraneural ganglia. Design  This study is designed as a retrospective clinical study. Materials and methods  MR images of 25 patients with peroneal intraneural ganglia were analyzed and were compared to those of 25 patients with extraneural ganglia and 25 individuals with normal knees. All specimens were interpreted as left-sided. Using conventional axial images, the position of the common peroneal nerve and either intraneural or extraneural cyst was determined relative to the proximal fibula and the superior tibiofibular joint using a symbolic clock face. In all patients, the common peroneal nerve could be seen between the 4 and 5 o’clock position at the mid-portion of the fibular head. In patients with intraneural ganglia, a single axial image could reproducibly and reliably demonstrate both cyst within the common peroneal nerve at the mid-portion of the fibular head (signet ring sign) between 4 and 5 o’clock and within the articular branch at the superior tibiofibular joint connection (tail sign) between 11 and 12 o’clock; in addition, cyst within the transverse limb of the articular branch (transverse limb sign) was seen at the mid-portion of the fibular neck between the 12 and 2 o’clock positions on serial images. Extraneural ganglia typically arose from more superior joint connections with the epicenter of the cyst varying around the entire clock face without a consistent pattern. There was no significant difference between the visual and template assessment of clock face position for all three groups (intraneural, extraneural, and controls). We believe that the normal anatomic and pathologic relationships of the common peroneal nerve in the vicinity of the fibular neck/head region can be established readily and reliably on single axial images. This technique can provide radiologists and surgeons with rapid and reproducible information for diagnosis and treatment planning. Conclusions  By using conventional bony anatomy as reference points (namely fibular neck and mid-portion of fibular head), standard axial images can be used to interpret key features of peroneal intraneural ganglia and to establish their accurate diagnosis (rather than extraneural ganglia) and pathogenesis from an articular origin (rather than from de novo formation), a fact that has important therapeutic implications. Because of the relative rarity of peroneal intraneural cysts and physicians’ (radiologists and surgeons) inexperience with them and the complexity of their findings, they are frequently misdiagnosed and joint communications are not appreciated preoperatively or intraoperatively. As a result, outcomes are suboptimal and recurrences are common.     

Proximal tibiofibular joint synovial cyst—one pathology with three different presentations

Synovial cysts of the proximal tibiofibular joint are less common than synovial cysts of the knee joint but may present in a similar fashion and may be difficult to diagnose clinically. We report three cases of such synovial cysts: (1) the synovial cyst presented as an asymptomatic lump distal to lateral joint line of the knee; (2) the synovial cyst presented as a mass fluctuating in size with intermittent symptoms; (3) a man with a large mass in proximal anterior leg and drop foot. The patients were operated. The first and the third patients were treated successfully without recurrence, and complete recovery of the proneal nerve in third case ensued. The synovial cyst recurred in the second case; however, the patient refused a second operation. Age distribution and clinical manifestation of extraneural proximal tibiofibular joint synovial cyst is discussed in the light of relevant literature.     

Juvenile wakeboarder locks ankle on shore

This report presents an adolescent wakeboarder with persistent pain after conservative treatment of a Salter Harris type II distal fibular fracture. On physical examination the pain was localised over the anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament. Additional imaging revealed that this syndesmotic impingement was caused by a loose body caught in the syndesmotic area. The loose body was successfully removed from the anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament by anterior ankle arthroscopy. With functional aftertreatment, the patient had resumed full sports activities after 8 weeks. At 1-year follow-up there were no persistent symptoms.