[Function of fibula in stability of ankle joint].
OBJECTIVE
To summarize the function of fibula in stability of ankle joints.


METHODS
Recent original articles were extensively reviewed, which were related to the physiological function and biomechanical properties of fibula, the influence of fibular fracture on stability of ankle joints and mechanism of osteoarthritis of ankle joints.


RESULTS
The fibula had the function of weight-bearing; and it was generally agreed that discontinued fibula could lead to intra-articular disorder of ankle joint in children; but there were various viewpoints regarding the influence of fibular fracture on the ankle joint in adults.


CONCLUSIONS
Fibula may play an important role in stability of ankle joint.
Ding
Yong-li
YL
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, P. R. China 610041.
Song
Yue-ming
YM
D000843:Ankle Joint / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology*; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D005360:Fibula / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000503:physiopathology; D016474:Weight-Bearing / Q000502:physiology