The mobility of the proximal tibio-fibular joint. A Roentgen Stereophotogrammetric Analysis on six cadaver specimens

In six cadaver specimens the mobility of the proximal fibula in relation to the tibia was investigated during plantar/dorsiflexion of the ankle, using Roentgen Stereophotogrammetric Analysis (RSA). The role of the ankle joint , and of the calcaneofibular and talofibular ligaments was also evaluated. The greatest movements were observed along the mediolateral and anterior-po sterior axes, resulting in an anterolateral displacement of the fibula head during dorsiflexion and in a postero-medial displacement during plantarfle xion. This study demonstrated a limited mobility of the proximal tibiofibular joi nt. Moreover, the ligament cutting and the presence of constraints in the a nkle region did not show any effect on the fibular movement.