A congenital fibular notch synostosis of the left distal leg: a case report

Balogun, Olubunmi; oyedun, Oladayo; Morakinyo, Olaniran; Ajeleti, Olusegun; Olabiyi, Olaleye; Ojo, Gideon; Olubintan, Abayomi

doi:10.61186/rabms.11.2.202

Volume 11, Issue 2 (4-2025) Journal of Research in Applied and Basic Medical Sciences 2025, 11(2): 202-206 | Back to browse issues page

‎ 10.61186/rabms.11.2.202

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Balogun O, oyedun O, Morakinyo O, Ajeleti O, Olabiyi O, Ojo G et al . A congenital fibular notch synostosis of the left distal leg: a case report. Journal of Research in Applied and Basic Medical Sciences 2025; 11 (2) :202-206
URL: http://ijrabms.umsu.ac.ir/article-1-388-en.html

A congenital fibular notch synostosis of the left distal leg: a case report

Olubunmi Balogun ^*

, Gideon Ojo

Department of Anatomy, Bowen University, Iwo, Nigeria , olubunmi.balogun@bowen.edu.ng

Abstract: (113 Views)

Background & Aims: Tibiofibular synostosis is an infrequent, limb malformation that is non-syndromic and illustrated by the union of the proximal or distal tibia and union of the proximal or distal tibial and fibular metaphysis and/ or diaphysis. Congenital tibiofibular synostosis is a very rare anomaly and if there are no related syndromes or distortions, the cause may be unknown or acquired. The case presented here shows a fusion of the tibia and fibula at the fibular notch which is not secondary to a fracture, hematoma, or any procedure done to fix the distal tibiofibular joint, as shown by the x-ray radiograph. Among other factors, calcification of bleeding into the surrounding tissue may result in the fusion of the tibia and fibula.
Case Presentation: After macerating the bone of a 56-year-old Nigerian male cadaver in the Anatomy Program, Bowen University, Nigeria, a dried adult left tibia and fibula with ossification at the distal end of both bones were observed. Anteriorly, a nutrient foramen was present where the anterior tibial vessels pass, while a number of grooves were observed posteriorly at the fused end. Thorough observation showed fusion of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis joint with the absence of callus formation and /or a fracture. A bone specimen of distal tibiofibular synostosis and its medical importance are hereby highlighted.
Conclusion: Cases of congenital distal tibiofibular synostosis are rare. When present in a living person, this should be suggestive to the physician who may be treating a patient who complains of ankle pain of unknown etiology. This is known to be a common reason for pain in the anterior leg compartment, usually associated with sports activities which may present with ankle pain as a result of abnormal ankle function.

Keywords: Acquired, Case report, Congenital, Synostosis, Tibiofibular

Full-Text [PDF 339 kb] (32 Downloads)

Type of Study: case report | Subject: General

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