The impact of proximal fibula fractures in the prognosis of tibial plateau fractures: a novel classification.

Fifty-five patients who presented with the complaint of tibia plateau fractures between January 1998 and November 2001 were retrospectively evaluated. The evaluation was based on their treatment modality. Twenty-five conservatively-treated patients (group 1) and 30 surgically-treated patients (group 2) were evaluated. In group 1, seven patients with proximal fibula fractures had lateral hamstring tightness. Five out of these seven patients had concomitant lateral knee pain. Similarly, nine patients with proximal fibula fractures in group 2 had lateral hamstring tightness, and seven patients in the same group suffered from lateral knee pain. The patients with no fibula proximal fracture in both groups had no hamstring tightness or lateral knee pain. The proximal fibula in the knee joint and its anatomical structures are of utmost importance for the anatomical integrity of the knee and its normal functions. The fibula has rich anatomical relations, some of which are important structures of the knee. These anatomical structures and the fibula provide stability of the knee joint and its functions as well as being an important mechanical support to the knee joint. Therefore, the knee joint will receive the negative effects from the pathologies of the bone or soft tissue that may occur in fibula fractures.