The mobility of the proximal tibio-fibular joint. A Roentgen Stereophotogrammetric Analysis on six cadaver specimens.

Abstract

In six cadaver specimens the mobility of the proximal fibula in relation to the tibia was investigated during plantar/dorsiflexion of the ankle, using Roentgen Stereophotogrammetric Analysis (RSA). The role of the ankle joint, and of the calcaneofibular and talofibular ligaments was also evaluated. The greatest movements were observed along the mediolateral and anterior-posterior axes, resulting in an anterolateral displacement of the fibula head during dorsiflexion and in a postero-medial displacement during plantarflexion. This study demonstrated a limited mobility of the proximal tibiofibular joint. Moreover, the ligament cutting and the presence of constraints in the ankle region did not show any effect on the fibular movement.