Diaphyseal Tibiofibular Synostosis in a Runner

Diaphyseal tibiofibular synostosis is a very rare cause of shin and ankle pain. A 35-year-old male presented with complaints of left shin and ankle pain of 3 years duration that was sometimes worse after running a few miles. One year before presenting to our hospital, the actual cause for his pain was missed when only lumbar radiographs were taken at another institution. A full-length tibia film revealed a diaphyseal tibiofibular synostosis at our hospital. The presence of a synostosis should alert the surgeon to search for the various abnormalities usually associated with this condition. Magnetic resonance imaging and enhanced 3-dimensional computed tomography are essential to rule out the possibility of a neoplastic process and to determine its relation to the neurovascular structures. Simple excision of the synostosis can provide excellent symptomatic relief with a minimal risk of complications.