Radiological landmark of syndesmotic ligament complex by magnetic resonance imaging correlate with fibula free flap harvesting procedure
Issued Date
2023-12-01
Resource Type
eISSN
20452322
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85177806486
Journal Title
Scientific Reports
Volume
13
Issue
1
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Scientific Reports Vol.13 No.1 (2023)
Suggested Citation
Yodrabum N., Chaikangwan I., Tianrungroj J., Suksantilap S., Chalalaisathaphorn S., Siriwanarangsun P. Radiological landmark of syndesmotic ligament complex by magnetic resonance imaging correlate with fibula free flap harvesting procedure. Scientific Reports Vol.13 No.1 (2023). doi:10.1038/s41598-023-47619-2 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/91317
Title
Radiological landmark of syndesmotic ligament complex by magnetic resonance imaging correlate with fibula free flap harvesting procedure
Author's Affiliation
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
Preservation of syndesmotic ligaments is crucial for preventing adverse sequelae at the donor site following free fibula osteocutaneous flap harvesting. This study sought to determine the relationship between distal tibiofibular ligaments and the fibular segment to identify radiological landmarks that facilitate safe and precise flap. The distances between the distal tibiofibular ligaments (anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament [AITFL], posterior inferior tibiofibular ligament [PITFL]) and the fibular segment, as well as the lower border of the interosseous membrane, were measured on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of 296 patients without any perceivable ankle abnormalities. The mean distances (± SD) between the distal end of the fibula and the AITFL, PITFL, and lower interosseous membrane border were 3.0 ± 0.4 cm, 2.6 ± 0.4 cm, and 3.9 ± 0.6 cm, respectively. The distance between the talar dome and the PITFL exhibited a range of 0.0–0.5 cm. Our findings support preserving a distal fibular remnant of at least 4 cm to avoid injury to the syndesmotic ligament throughout fibula osteocutaneous flap harvesting. The talar dome could serve as a useful radiological landmark for identifying the upper border of PITFL during preoperative evaluation, and thus facilitating precise and safe flap procurement.