Effect of distal fibular resection on ankle laxity

Ten cadaver specimens were used to study the effect of distal fibular resection and ligamentous repair on ankle laxity. The distal fibula was resected sequentially at three levels. Talar tilt and anterior drawer were measured on stress radiographs after resection and then after ligament repair. Sequential resection of the distal fibula caused a progressive increase in talar tilt and anterior drawer at each cut level (p < 0.5), regardless of whether the ligaments were repaired or not. Ligament repair significantly decreased talar tilt at cuts above the ATFL insertion and decreased anterior drawer at cuts at the tibiotalar level, but these values did not approach control values.