Collagen organization in the crural interosseous membrane and its relationship to fibular osteotomy.

Murali, S R; Aspden, R M; Hutchison, J D; Scott, J M · Injury · 1994

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

The organization of collagen fibres in the crural interosseous membrane was measured using X-ray diffraction. The fibres were found to be highly aligned and steeply angled in a distal direction from tibia to fibula with a mean angle of 13 degrees. This organization will lead to a very stiff, ligament-like structure which will transmit forces to the tibia generated by the muscles attached to the fibula. It also suggests an optimum site for a fibular osteotomy about 4 cm distal to the tibial fracture site.

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