Chronic syndesmotic instability – Current evidence on management

Abstract

This review article discusses the current evidence on the management of chronic syndesmotic instability. Conservative treatment has a limited role, and surgical intervention is most commonly reported as the mainstay of treatment, however the literature consists of small case series and descriptions of operative techniques, and thus the evidence base for any treatment is weak. Surgical options include arthroscopic debridement alone, static fixation with cortical screws, dynamic fixation with suture-button devices, and ligamentous repair or augmentation.