Introduction:

Proximal tibiofibular joint dislocations (PTFJD) are uncommon and underdiagnosed injuries. Urgent reduction is mandatory to avoid chronic disfunction. The scarcely available literature does not present a unified management guideline. An acute PTFJD case report with spontaneous reduction and a review of the literature is presented, aiming to assist the diagnosis and management of this pathology.

Case report:

A 22-years old male presented to the emergency department with high intensity right knee pain after falling in a four-wheel motorcycle. The physical exam revealed a prominent painful mass on the lateral aspect of his knee and proximal leg. His range of motion and knee stability were unremarkable. X-rays were informed negative for musculoskeletal injuries. According to a sustained suspicion of PTFJD, the study was continued with a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which suggested PTFJD. During the following 24 hours, the patient referred he was entirely asymptomatic after feeling a loud «clank». He has been followed for three months with MRI, and remains asymptomatic with full functions.

Conclusion:

PTFJD diagnosis requires appropriate images. Urgent close reduction is mandatory; if unsuccessful, open reduction, primary repair and internal fixation are indicated. The prognosis of spontaneous reduction remains uncertain and requires a serial clinical evaluation. In the case of recurrence, the appropriate surgical management is indicated according to the elapsed time from the injury.