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The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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Proximal Fibula Dislocation (Knee Joint)
Proximal tibiofibular joint dislocation is a rare injury where the small fibula bone at the outer knee pops out of its joint with the tibia (shin bone), typically from sports trauma or falls causing twisting force - it causes lateral knee pain, visible bump below knee, and occasionally foot drop from nerve injury, with treatment ranging from closed reduction and immobilization (most cases healing well in 4-6 weeks) to surgical fixation for unstable or recurrent dislocations.
📖What is Proximal Fibula Dislocation (Knee Joint)?
Proximal tibiofibular joint dislocation is a rare injury where the small fibula bone at the outer knee pops out of its joint with the tibia (shin bone), typically from sports trauma or falls causing twisting force - it causes lateral knee pain, visible bump below knee, and occasionally foot drop from nerve injury, with treatment ranging from closed reduction and immobilization (most cases healing well in 4-6 weeks) to surgical fixation for unstable or recurrent dislocations.
🔬What Causes It?
- Ankle inversion injury with knee flexed (twisting ankle inward while knee bent—pulls fibula forward out of joint, common in soccer, basketball)
- Direct blow to inner knee (varus force drives knee inward, dislocates fibula outward—collision sports)
- Fall with knee twisted (hyperflexion with internal rotation—parachuting, skiing falls)
- Dashboard knee injury in MVA (combined knee flexion and rotation)
⚠️Risk Factors
You may be at higher risk if:
- Contact and pivoting sports (soccer, basketball, football—twisting injuries common)
- Previous proximal tibiofibular joint instability or dislocation (20-30% recurrence rate after first dislocation if not properly treated)
- Ligamentous laxity (generalized joint hypermobility predisposes to dislocation)
- High-energy trauma (motor vehicle accidents, falls from height)
🛡️Prevention
- ✓Knee and ankle strengthening exercises (peroneal and calf muscles stabilize fibula, reduce dislocation risk)
- ✓Proper sports technique (avoid extreme ankle inversion with knee flexed—common mechanism in soccer, basketball)
- ✓Adequate rehabilitation after first dislocation (full 6-week immobilization, strengthening before return to sport reduces recurrence from 40% to 20%)
- ✓Protective knee bracing for high-risk athletes with previous dislocation (functional brace during sports provides lateral stability)