Proximal Tibiofibular Synostosis in a Professional Soccer Player: A Case Report.

Abstract

Isolated proximal tibiofibular synostosis is a rare deformity, unlike distal tibiofibular synostosis, which has been described more often. Very few cases have been reported in the literature1-6; these cases have not been associated with other deformities, such as multiple exostoses, genu valgum, limb-length discrepancy, or distalization of the proximal tibiofibular joint. Nishimura et al.7 described a case of proximal tibiofibular synostosis in a patient with “49,XXXXY syndrome.” We present a rare case of proximal tibiofibular synostosis in a professional soccer player and discuss the appropriateness of avoiding treatment when the condition is asymptomatic. The patient was informed that data concerning the case would be submitted for publication, and he provided consent. A review of the pertinent literature is also presented. A twenty-seven-year-old professional soccer player presented with a mild distortion of the right knee following a football match. The medical history did not reveal any previous knee injuries or other inflammatory or degenerative conditions. The knee appeared mildly swollen with an intra-articular effusion, and the patient experienced moderate pain in the medial compartment. The knee was stable, with good quadriceps muscle mass and a complete range of movement. Radiographs revealed proximal tibiofibular synostosis with periarticular bone proliferation. The mild nature …