In some patients, small erythematous plaques may overly the extensor aspects of larger joints, such as the elbows, knees, and medial malleoli.
Neither the mode of operation nor the function of the malleoli is yet clearly understood.
In the lower leg the anterior and posterior regions extend down to the malleoli.
The bony arch formed by the tibial plafond and the two malleoli is referred to as the ankle mortise (or talar mortise).
Together, the malleoli, along with their supporting ligaments, stabilize the talus underneath the tibia.
Lipedema can also mimic lymphedema, however in lipedema there is characteristic sparing of the feet beginning abrubtly at the medial malleoli (ankle level).
Generally, the surgical procedure involves making an anterolateral incision, stripping the ligaments from both malleoli and the calcaneus so that the foot can be displaced posteriorly.
A leg is considered straight when, with the feet brought together, both the medial malleoli of the ankle and the medial condyles of the knee are touching.
