Comparison of ultrasonographic evaluation methods for ankle syndesmosis in non-weight bearing and weight bearing conditions

Abstract

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate ankle syndesmosis in healthy subjects under non-weight bearing (NWB) and weight bearing (WB) conditions using two US methods. MethodsThe anterior tibiofibular clear space (ATFCS) was measured in healthy subjects in NWB and WB conditions using two US procedures. Method 1 measured 10 mm above the ankle joint and Method 2 measured 30° from the line of 10 mm above the ankle joint. ResultsA total of 60 ankles from 30 subjects (male/female, 15/15) were included. There was a significant difference in the ATFCS between the two US methods (p < 0.001), and Method 2 was better at detecting the change in diastasis from NWB to WB conditions. The ATFCS was significantly greater on WB than on NWB, irrespective of the US method. ConclusionsMethod 2 was better at detecting diastasis of the syndesmosis from NWB to WB conditions. The influence of WB needs to be considered when evaluating syndesmosis using US. Level of evidenceCross-sectional cohort study; Level of evidence, Ⅳ