Related Experiment Videos
Fibular position in relation to lateral ankle instability.
Mark J Berkowitz1, David H Kim
1Tripler Army Medical Center, Orthopaedic Surgery Service Foot and Ankle Section, 1 Jarrett-White Road, Honolulu, HI 96859-5000, USA. mark.berkowitz@haw.tamc.amedd.army.mil
Foot & Ankle International
|May 12, 2004
Summary
A posterior fibula position in the ankle mortise is linked to recurrent ankle instability. Patients with instability showed a significantly more posterior fibula compared to controls.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Radiology
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Recurrent ankle instability is a common clinical problem.
- The fibula's position within the ankle mortise is a potential contributing factor.
- Previous research has not definitively established this link.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between fibular position and recurrent ankle instability.
- To compare fibular positioning in patients with and without ankle instability.
- To test the hypothesis that a posterior fibula predisposes to chronic ankle instability.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 65 CT/MRI scans from patients who underwent lateral ankle stabilization.
- Calculation of the axial malleolar index (AMI) to quantify fibular position.
- Comparison of AMI in the patient group versus 65 control subjects without ankle instability.
Main Results:
- The study group exhibited a significantly higher average AMI (17° ± 6°) compared to the control group (9° ± 4°).
- A posterior fibula position (AMI > 15°) was eight times more likely in patients with ankle instability.
- 65% of instability patients had an AMI > 15°, versus only 8% in controls.
Conclusions:
- The findings support the hypothesis linking a posteriorly positioned fibula to ankle instability.
- Abnormal fibular positioning may be a predisposing factor for chronic ankle instability.
- This research provides quantitative evidence for the role of fibular malposition in ankle instability.