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Quantitative radiographic assessment of the anatomic attachment sites of the anterior and posterior complexes of the proximal tibiofibular joint

  • Knee
  • Published:
Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy Aims and scope

Abstract

Purpose

Quantitative guidelines for radiographic identification of the anterior and posterior ligaments of the proximal tibiofibular joint have not been well defined. The purpose of this study was to provide reproducible, quantitative descriptions of radiographic landmarks identifying the anterior and posterior ligament complexes of the proximal tibiofibular joint. It was hypothesized that consistent quantitative data regarding the radiographic location of the anterior and posterior proximal tibiofibular joint ligament complexes could be identified.

Methods

The footprint centers of the individual ligament bundles of the anterior and posterior complexes of the proximal tibiofibular joint were labeled with radio-opaque markers in ten non-paired, fresh-frozen cadaveric knee specimens. Anteroposterior (AP) and lateral radiographs of the proximal tibiofibular joint were obtained, and distances between the markers and pertinent radiographic landmarks were recorded.

Results

On AP radiographs, the tibial span of the anterior complex was 12.8 ± 3.9 mm and started at a median of 11.4 mm distal to the tibial plateau; the fibular span was 11.6 ± 6.8 mm and started at a median of 5.1 mm from the apex of the fibular styloid. The tibial span of the posterior complex was 11.7 ± 8.4 mm and began at a median of 12.1 mm distal to the tibial plateau; the fibular span was 11.8 ± 7.9 mm and began at a median of 3.1 mm distal to the apex of the fibular styloid. Values were similar for lateral radiographs.

Conclusion

The attachment locations of the proximal tibiofibular anterior and posterior complexes could be quantitatively correlated to reliable osseous landmarks and radiographic lines. This information will allow for consistent radiographic assessments of proper tunnel placement intraoperatively and postoperatively during anatomic reconstructions of the proximal tibiofibular joint.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank David Civitarese, BA, for his help with specimen acquisition and Grant J. Dornan, M.S. for his assistance with statistical analysis.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Steadman Philippon Research Institute, 181W. Meadow Drive, Suite 1000, Vail, Colorado, 81657, USA

    Daniel Cole Marchetti, Jorge Chahla, Gilbert Moatshe, Erik L. Slette & Robert F. LaPrade

  2. The Steadman Clinic, Vail, CO, USA

    Robert F. LaPrade

  3. Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway

    Gilbert Moatshe

  4. OSTRC, The Norwegian School of Sports Sciences, Oslo, Norway

    Gilbert Moatshe

Authors
  1. Daniel Cole Marchetti
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  2. Jorge Chahla
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  3. Gilbert Moatshe
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  4. Erik L. Slette
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  5. Robert F. LaPrade
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Robert F. LaPrade.

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Conflict of interest

Dr. LaPrade is a paid consultant and recieves IP royalties and research support from Arthrex, Inc., Össur, and Smith & Nephew. Dr. Moatshe has received research grants from Arthrex Inc. and South Eastern Norway Health Authorities (Helse Sør-Øst), Norway.

Funding

This study was internally funded by the Steadman Philippon Research Institute.

Ethical approval

The article does not contain any studies with human participants or patient data. Cadaveric studies are exempted from IRB at Steadman Philippon Research Institute.

Additional information

Investigation performed at the Department of BioMedical Engineering, Steadman Philippon Research Institute, Vail, Colorado.

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Marchetti, D.C., Chahla, J., Moatshe, G. et al. Quantitative radiographic assessment of the anatomic attachment sites of the anterior and posterior complexes of the proximal tibiofibular joint. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 26, 1104–1109 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-017-4511-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-017-4511-0

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