Effect of distal fibular resection on ankle laxity

Ten cadaver specimens were used to study the effect of distal fibular resec tion and ligamentous repair on ankle laxity. The distal fibula was resected sequentially at three levels. Talar tilt and anterior drawer were measured on stress radiographs after resection and then after ligament repair. Sequ ential resection of the distal fibula caused a progressive increase In tala r tilt and anterior drawer at each cut level (p < 0.5), regardless of wheth er the ligaments were repaired or not. Ligament repair significantly decrea sed talar tilt at cuts above the ATFL insertion and decreased anterior draw er at cuts at the tibiotalar level, but these values did not approach contr ol values.