Growth and growth prediction of the fibula.

Growth prediction data and graphs have not been available previously for the fibula. In this report, this information is wholly derived from a longitudinal radiographic study of growth in children. Teleradiographs of the tibia and fibula in 244 children (123 boys and 121 girls) were made at 6-month intervals from age 7 until skeletal maturity. Length measurements determined the growth of the fibula. The subjects were healthy well nourished middle class Americans, mostly of Northwest European descent. Growth occurring at the fibular growth plates was determined by the relationship to the tibia. The contribution of the proximal and distal growth plates to total length was determined by multiplying the percentage of growth occurring at each age by the longitudinal growth remaining. Graphs then were constructed using the logarithmic adjustment of Colin Moseley to produce a straight line graph. The proportion of growth occurring at the proximal and distal growth plates is not equal. More growth occurs at the proximal growth plate of the fibula than at the proximal growth plate of the tibia. The overall growth contribution of the proximal fibular growth plate is 61% compared with 57% for the proximal tibia. The graphs provided allow accurate prediction of fibular growth.