Surgical stabilisation of the proximal tibiofibular joint using temporary fixation: a technical note

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.