Proximal Tibiofibular Joint: A Radiographic and Computed Tomographic Study

Abstract

In 671 knees of 351 patients, the proximal tibiofibular joint was radiologically investigated. To clearly detect the contour of the joint, radiographs were obtained under fluoroscopic control with the lower extremity internally rotated. The contour was classified into three types: the joint lines of both tibia and fibula are straight (A); the joint line of the fibula is convex (B); the joint line of the tibia is convex (C). The rotation and the inclination of the joint were measured. Of the 671 knees, CT examination was also carried out in 51 knees. The obliquity of the joint was measured and the location of the fibula as related to the tibia was evaluated by CT. We also examined the relationships between the contour and the rotation, inclination, obliquity of the joint and the location of the fibula, and determined the characteristics of type B and C as compared with type A. The characteristics of type B were as follows: (1) this type was mainly seen in younger patients, (2) the rotation was the lowest and the inclination was the highest among the three types, (3) in CT the joint line was more saggital and the fibula was located more anteriorly. The characteristics of type C were as follows: (1) this type was seen in older patients, (2) the rotation was the highest and the inclination was the lowest among the three types, (3) in CT the joint line was more frontal and the fibula was located more posteriorly. © 1995, Tohoku University Medical Press. All rights reserved.