Proximal Tibiofibular Reconstruction in Adolescent Patients

Abstract

Instability of the proximal tibiofibular joint (PTFJ) can present as frank dislocations, vague symptoms of lateral knee pain, discomfort during activity, or symptoms related to irritation of the common peroneal nerve. An accurate preoperative diagnosis is imperative and should include a trial of taping of the PTFJ for a 4- to 6-week time frame before surgical reconstruction is indicated. In the adolescent population, surgical planning can be complicated by the presence of open physes; therefore, caution must be taken to avoid drilling through or placing screw fixation across the physes. Potential complications include growth arrest and limb length discrepancy. Therefore, the purpose of this Technical Note is to describe the surgical technique for addressing PTFJ instability in adolescent patients.