The effects of the interosseous membrane and partial fibulectomy on loading of the tibia: a biomechanical study

The biomechanical basis for the treatment of delayed union of tibial fractures by partial fibulectomy has yet to be fully evaluated. To gain further insight into this problem, nine intact cadaveric lower extremities were instrumented with strain gauges on the surfaces of the tibia and fibula. The limbs were then subjected to axial loading with the ankle and subtalar joints placed in multiple positions. The specimens were loaded either through the distal femur or by direct loading of the tibial plateau. All specimens were first tested intact then after sectioning of the interosseous membrane and finally after partial fibulectomy. It was shown that during loading of the leg, the primary effects of the interosseous membrane were to stabilize the fibula and constrain its posterolateral bending. The fibular strains were not reduced to zero following sectioning of the interosseous membrane. Tibial strains measured on the anteromedial and anterolateral surfaces were consistently in relative tension, indicating a posterior bending force (anterior bowing) of the tibia. After partial fibulectomy, strains on these surfaces became relatively more compressive. With the ankle and subtalar joints in neutral position (0 degree flexion, 0 degree inversion/eversion) the strains on the anterior surface averaged approximately 10% more compressive relative to the intact condition. Tibial strains were observed to vary with the position of the ankle and subtalar joints. The fact that the anteromedial and anterolateral tibia surfaces were always in tension may explain why partial fibulectomy has not proved to be a uniformly successful treatment method for delayed union of the tibia. Furthermore, it points to the important role of "fracture personality" in the selection of treatment.