[Dislocation of the head of the fibula--diagnostic and therapeutic problems]

Luxation of the head of the fibula in the proximal tibiofibular joint is rare and is often overlooked. Pointers in this direction should be a swelling above the head of the fibula that is sensitive to pressure, an inexplicable pattern of signs involving the fibula, as well as an undefined insecurity of gait associated with the absence of other injuries in the genicular area. Diagnosis is best confirmed in the hospital by means of luxation or repositioning manoeuvres at the joint. The experienced physician can draw further conclusions from x-ray films of the forced extreme joint position. Therapy depends exclusively on the severity of complaints of the patient and must be determined individually for each patient.