Morphometrical features of the human malleolar groove

Abstract

Background: Our aim was to investigate the morphometric features of malleolar groove of the lateral malleolus in humans.

Methods: This study was performed on the malleolar grooves of 93 (80 dry and 13 cadaveric) fibulae. We measured the length of the fibula; length, width, and depth of the malleolar groove; the angle between malleolar groove and the fibular axis. Furthermore, we measured the distances between the distal tip of the fibula and the lateral and medial tubercles of lateral malleolus, and the width of posterior surface of the lateral malleolus.

Results: We found the shape of malleolar groove regularly concave in 63 out of 93 (68%) fibulae. The features of the triangular area at the posterior aspect of the lateral malleolus, where the peroneal tendons pass over, may serve as a bed for the peroneal tendons. There was a significant correlation between the depth of the malleolar groove and the distances between the distal tip of the fibula and the medial and lateral tubercles, as well (p<0.05).

Conclusion: A strong correlation existed between either the shape of the groove or the values of the reference points.

Clinical relevance: The shape of the groove may be important in reinforcing the superior peroneal retinaculum (SPR) and other structures restraining the tendons.