Abstract
Syndesmotic injuries can occur with ankle fractures and can lead to destabilization of the ankle joint. As a result, it usually requires a transyndesmotic screw insertion to stabilize it. Currently, there is no consensus on the type, amount and diameter of screws used, the number of cortices needed to be engaged, the recommended time to weight-bearing, and whether the screw should be removed in these types of injuries. The aim of this study is to evaluate the evidence comparing the removal and non-removal of syndesmotic screws in open and closed ankle fractures that are associated with unstable syndesmosis in terms of functional, clinical, and radiological evidence. The study also looked at the evidence behind broken screw effects.The literature search was conducted on March 16, 2021, using the Ovid Medline and Embase databases. The literature was eligible if it aimed to compare syndesmotic screw removal and retention in ankle fractures. One study found that those with a broken screw had a better clinical outcome than those with an intact screw. The studies were excluded if they were biomechanical studies, case reports, or were relevant but had no adequate English translation.Initially, 53 studies were included but after scanning for eligibility, 11 were identified (including those added from references). Nine were cohort studies, seven of which did not find any difference in functional outcome between routine removal and retention of the syndesmotic screw. Two studies found there were better clinical outcomes in the broken screw group. Another study found that there were slightly worse functional outcomes in patients with intact screws as compared with those with broken, loosened, or removed screws. Two studies were randomized control studies that no significant functional outcomes between removed and intact syndesmotic screws. However, the majority of these studies had a high risk of bias.Overall, the current literature provides no evidence to support routine removal of syndesmotic screws. Keeping in mind the clear complications and financial burden, syndesmotic screw removal should not be performed unless there is a clear indication. Furthermore, removal in the clinic, with the use of prophylactic antibiotics should be considered if indicated in cases with pain or loss of function. Further research in a structured randomized controlled trial (RCT) to examine if there is any difference in short- or long-term outcomes between removed, intact, loose, or broken syndesmotic screws might be beneficial. A multinational protocol for randomized control trials (RODEO-trial) is an example of such a study to determine the usefulness of on-demand and routine removal of screws.
Highlights
BackgroundAnkle fractures are one of the common presentations in the orthopaedics speciality
Keeping in mind the clear complications and financial burden, syndesmotic screw removal should not be performed unless there is a clear indication
Several studies have examined the routine removal of syndesmotic screws in the past; the majority of which showed no significant difference in outcome between retained or removed screws
Summary
BackgroundAnkle fractures are one of the common presentations in the orthopaedics speciality. The British Orthopaedic Association has produced guidance on the management, as well as the follow-up, of ankle fracture [2]. It recommends the early fixation of unstable ankle fractures on radiological evidence, in ankle mortise view, in patients under 60 years old [2]. The evidence suggests that transyndesmotic fixation can limit ankle movement [5] This is because the syndesmotic screw inhibits the physiological tibiofibular movement, which can affect dorsiflexion [5]. Diameter of screws used, the number of cortices needed to be engaged, the recommended time to weight-bearing, and whether the screw should be removed in these types of injuries.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
