Research on shape changes of tibiofibular syndesmosis following fibula resected from different positions

Objective To investigate the different effects of different resection position of fibula on shape of tibiofibular syndesmosis,and explore the best position of cut fibula,providing reference for clinical surgeon to use fibula reasonably.Methods Ten adult male cadaverie specimens 172-176 cm long were used for 20 shank-ankle specimens.10 cm long fibula was cut proximally at the lower point 1/6,lower point 1/4,lower point 1/3,middle point 1/2 respectively,which was compared with the nornlal one to analyze the changes of shape of tibiofibular syndesmosis.Results Normally,the distance oftibiofibular syndesmosiswas(0.30±0.10)mm.Underthe condition of cut at the lower point 1/6,the distance of tibiofibular syndesmosis was enlarged[(0.54±0.20)mm](P＜0.05).In contrast,under the condition of cut 10 cm long fibula proximally at the middle point 1/2.the distance of tibioffbu1ar syndesmosis hadlittle effect[(0.31±0.20)mm](P＞0.05).Conclusion The best resection position of fibula is in the proximity of the fibula at the point 1/2. Key words: Fibula; Tibiofibular syndesmosis; Ankle joint