Diaphyseal tibiofibular synostosis (plural: synostoses) is a rare condition where there is a focal bony fusion between the tibial and fibular shafts 1,2.
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Epidemiology
It is a rare condition that is reported in athletes, runners and basketball players 1.
Clinical presentation
Depending on the location, synostosis may be asymptomatic. Symptomatic synostosis usually presents with chronic anterior leg compartment pain with exertion or ankle pain.
Pathology
Etiology
Several causes of synostosis have been described. Congenital types may be associated with multiple hereditary exostoses and typically present at an earlier age.
Other causes include trauma, predominantly to the distal tibia and fibula and ankle where an occult stress fracture or severe ligamentous sprain of the interosseous membrane has occurred. In these cases, the synostosis is believed to result from heterotopic ossification of a small hematoma tracking between the two bones resulting in calcification on the interosseous membrane.
Radiographic features
It appears as a focal bony fusion between the shafts of tibia and fibula. It is best appreciated by plain X-ray. There is occasionally an accompanying deformity of the limb segment.
CT and MRI are essential to differentiate this condition from a neoplastic process and to determine its relation to the neurovascular structures.
Bone scan may show increased tracer uptake 5.
Treatment and prognosis
The management of this condition in athletes is controversial. Conservative treatment is recommended initially. Ultrasound-guided steroid injection may be helpful 2. Simple surgical excision of the synostosis is reserved for active athletes with progressive pain and disability 5.
Differential diagnosis
Consider
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