Role of the fibula in weight-bearing.

To investigate the weight-bearing function of the fibula, weight-loading experiments were performed on autopsy specimens. With the ankle joint in neutral position, the weight distribution to the fibula amounted to 6.4%. With dorsiflexion of the ankle joint, the weight on the fibula increased. With plantar flexion of the ankle joint, the weight on the fibula decreased. Lateral and posterior loading of the tibia produced increased weight on the fibula. With eversion of the ankle joint, the weight on the fibula increased. The weight-bearing function increased with augmentation of the tibiofibular articular angle. These characteristics of the fibular weight-bearing function should be considered carefully in the treatment of the knee joint or the fibula.