Abstract:

Objective　To provide applied anatomical basis for design of lateral alignment guide and lateral malleolus fracture fixation, the lateral malleolus and the surrounding anatomical structures were observed and measured.　Methods　(1) 80 cases (male 20 pairs and female 20 pairs) of dried fibula were observed and analyzed.  (2) 40 cases (male 20 and female 20) underwent plain radiography for observation of the general morphology of the lateral malleolus,3. the anterior lateral malleolus artery, the superficial peroneal nerve and the sural nerve were observed in 40 specimens(male 20 and female 20).　Results　(1) From up down, the lateral malleolus gradually tapered off, assuming similarly an inverted triangle; (2) No statistical significance of the height, width and thickness could be detected between the lateral malleolus of the left and right sides in bony specimens, but gender difference of the above mentioned parameters could be found. （3）The lateral malleolus angle was not significantly different between male and female in X-ray (P>0.05). （4）The anterior lateral malleolar artery originated from the anterior tibial artery (4.30±0.22) cm and (4.11±0.6) cm above the tip of the lateral malleolus in male and female, respectively, which then coursed obliquely downward to the lower part of the fibula and continued to travel in close contact with the fibula and the anterior aspect of the lateral malleolus to enter the dorsum of the foot. （5）The superficial peroneal nerve distribution (1.59±0.20) cm in male and (1.31±0.64) cm in female from the anterior margin of the lateral malleolus; The sural nerve traveled posteroinferior to the lateral malleolus, being located  (1.80±0.13) cm and (1.62±0.34) cm posterior to the posterior margin of edge of the lateral malleolus in male and  female, respectively.　Conclusions 　 According reliable and relevant parameters obtained from measurement of the lateral malleolus and the surrounding anatomical structures can provide  anatomical basis for the design of lateral malleolus fracture fixation and alignment guide.

Key words: Lateral malleolus, Applied anatomy, Measurement