Cortical Button Fixation for Proximal Tibiofibular Instability: A Technical Report

Abstract

Instability of the proximal tibiofibular joint (PTFJ) is a rare injury pattern than can affect high-demand athletes involved in twisting or pivoting movements on a flexed knee. Instability may produce painful subluxations during provocative activity and occasional neuritic symptoms from tethering of the common peroneal nerve at the fibular neck. There are several reports of reconstruction for symptomatic PTFJ instability; however, no optimal treatment has been elucidated in the literature. Use of a cortical button suspensory device for fixation of the PTFJ offers the advantage of stabilizing the joint without need for free graft harvest or rigid screw fixation. The present technical report illustrates the operative technique and the advantages, disadvantages, pearls, and pitfalls associated with this operation.