Fibular Lengthening

Question 1

what angles do you look for on xray when evaluating the ankle joint?

Answer 1

talocrural angle

medial clear space

Question 2

what is normal talocrural angle?

Answer 2

83 deg

Question 3

what is normal medial clear space?

Answer 3

less than or equal to 4mm

Question 4

what kind of osteotomy is made to the fibula?

Answer 4

Weber transverse osteotomy to lengthen and derotate the fibula

Question 5

what are the indications for fibular lengthening?

Answer 5

malunion of the lateral malleolus

-must have demonstrable joint space and adequate cartilage integrity

Question 6

what kind of graft is used to lengthen the fibula?

Answer 6

bicortical cancellous graft from the calcaneus

Question 7

what is the most important aspect of the surgical technique?

Answer 7

establish good mobilization of the syndesmosis so that the distal portion of the fibula can be successfully lengthened and rotated into the proper position

Question 8

For every degree of difference between the 2 medial oblique films , one will need how much length of correction?

Answer 8

2mm

Question 9

complications?

Answer 9

nonunion
nerve entrapment
ectopic bone formation
loss of ankle motion