Proximal tibiofibular subluxation relationship to lateral knee pain: a review of proximal tibiofibular joint pathologies.

Proximal tibiofibular subluxation is the symptomatic hypermobility of the proximal tibiofibular joint. Pain along the lateral aspect of the knee must be carefully evaluated as the anatomy and biomechanics of this region are very complex. Anatomical variants of the proximal tibiofibular joint may be key to understanding the pathomechanics and, thus, treatment of this joint. The "horizontal" proximal tibiofibular joint has a higher degree of mobility, while the "oblique" joint is relatively immobile to rotational forces on the fibula. Increased fibular external rotation will result in injury to the anterior capsule and ligaments of the proximal tibiofibular joint causing common complaints of "popping" and lateral knee pain. Treatment of proximal tibiofibular subluxation will involve modifications of a patient's activity level and training programs, utilization of a supportive strap, lower leg strengthening, and modifications in the lower kinetic chain biomechanics.