The role of the lateral malleolus as a stabilizing factor of the ankle joint: preliminary report.

A preliminary report evaluating the role of the distal fibula as the lateral supporting structure of the ankle is presented. The study involved loading the knee of an above the knee amputation specimen and recording the resultant strains on the distal fibula. This was done with the ankle of the specimen in neutral, dorsiflexion, and eversion. Results show the susceptibility of the lateral fibula to compressive strains, with the greatest compression noted when the ankle is in eversion. Early findings also indicate that the fibula and lateral malleolus play an insignificant role in the weightbearing process in the lower limb.