Posttraumatic tibiofibula synostosis of the distal 1/3 of the leg: a case study.

Abstract

Following the completion of the dissections of our cadaver we detached both the dissected lower limbs from the hip, and disjoint each by the knee and the ankle joints for maceration and preparation of bone specimens. After clearing the soft tissues of the limbs we observed that on the left lower limb there was tibiofibula synostosis(an accidental finding) following fracture of the distal 1/3 of both tibia and fibula. The history of the individual was not available, thus it is not possible to comment on the symptoms experienced by the individual when alive but we assume that the fractures of the tibia and fibula and a severe hematoma around the interosseous membrane are the possible pathogenesis of the distal tibiofibula synostosis seen in the cadaver. The calcification of the hematoma resulted in bony fusion of tibia and fibula and thus may prevent normal ankle function which might lead to ankle pain. Its presence on living individual should alert the surgeon to look for various abnormalities that are usually associated with it.

Key words: Tibiofibula, Synostosis, Distal 1/3 of the leg, Case study.