Internal tibial torsion is related to syndesmosis injury in a large osteological collection

Abstract

BackgroundThe long-term consequences of tibial torsion remain unclear. This study evaluated whether syndesmotic injuries are associated with tibial torsion. MethodsA collection of over 3000 cadaveric skeletons was screened for irregular bony prominence along the lateral distal tibia, consistent with previous syndesmosis injury. Tibial torsion was measured and compared to 1034 control cadaveric tibiae. ResultsMean torsion of 236 specimens with syndesmotic injury was 6.2±8.9 degrees, while that of control specimens was 7.9±8.8 degrees (P = 0.008). Multiple regression analysis showed a non-statistically significant trend toward internal torsion and syndesmotic injury (standardized beta=−0.051, P=0.059). Syndesmosis injury was present in 48/200 specimens (24.0%) with internal torsion and 31/199 specimens (15.6%) with external torsion (P=0.035). ConclusionThis association between internal tibial torsion and syndesmotic injury suggests that internal tibial torsion might not be an entirely benign condition and merits further study.