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Dislocation of the proximal tibiofibular joint is an uncommon injury and is often misdiagnosed. If unrecognised it is potentially a source of ongoing morbidity. Knowledge of this condition among emergency medicine specialists is not widespread. No association with snowboarding has previously been reported.
CASE REPORT
A 30 year old inexperienced snowboarder fell while sliding backwards on a snowboard. This resulted in upper body rotation while the lower body remained attached to the board facing uphill. The patient experienced sudden onset of severe left lateral knee pain. On releasing the board bindings there was a significant improvement in the pain, but a dull ache persisted, which was exacerbated by walking down hill. Despite rest, elevation, and anti-inflammatory agents the discomfort persisted. The following day a consultation with a sports physiotherapist was arranged. A diagnosis of left fibula head dislocation was made and the patient subsequently underwent closed manipulation, without sedation or analgesia, with immediate resolution of symptoms. His knee was not immobilised and he remains symptom free at 12 months.
DISCUSSION
Several recent articles have reported injuries common among snowboarders.1,2 The injuries described include head and cervical spine injuries, dislocation, and ligamentous injury of the shoulder, wrist fractures and sprains, and fractures of knees and ankles. The nature of …
Footnotes
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Funding: none.
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Conflicts of interest: none declared.