For talocrural distraction, what is the stabilizing hand?

• A. None; strap over proximal tibia inferior to tibial tuberosity
• B. Distal aspect of lower leg
• C. Proximal thigh
• D. Over dorsal foot

Answer: (A)

For talocrural distraction, you want to anchor the leg so the traction at the ankle doesn’t move the knee or hip. Using a strap around the proximal tibia just below the tibial tuberosity provides a solid stabilizing connection, letting the clinician apply distraction through the foot while the proximal leg stays fixed. Placing stabilization on the distal leg, the proximal thigh, or the dorsal foot would either fail to isolate the ankle joint or interfere with the distraction, making the strap-based stabilization the best choice.