Anteroinferior Tibiofibular Ligament Research Articles

The Maisonneuve fracture with medial and posterior malleolar fractures: A case report

Introduction: Maisonneuve’s fracture is named after the French surgeon who first described it in 1840. This injury is rare and is characterized by a combination of a fracture of the ipsilateral fibula and an injury to the medial structures of the ankle, and there may also be a rupture of the syndesmosis, tibiofibular and deltoid ligament, followed by rupture of the anteroinferior tibiofibular ligament and rupture of the interosseous ligament and interosseous membrane. Case Report: A 70-year-old female patient reported pain in the right lower limb. Clinical examination, after excluding possible fractures associated with age group, revealed hematoma on the ankle, edema on the topography of the right lateral malleolus and on the lateral aspect of the right knee. Radiographs revealed lateral subluxation of the right ankle, increased medial free space associated with fracture of the medial malleolus, fracture of the posterior malleolus, and proximal fracture of the ipsilateral fibula. The patient was admitted for urgent orthopedic surgery. Lateral access distal to the fibula was used in the distal fibulotibial joint, anatomical reduction of the ankle with reduction forceps and placement of a 3.5 mm third-barrel plate and two 3.5 mm cortical screws with sizes of 50 and 45 mm under fluoroscopy. Conclusion: A Maisonneuve fracture is an orthopedic emergency that needs to be identified quickly because it usually requires surgery. Surgery must be well planned and requires an adequate postoperative period to rehabilitate the patient to avoid sequelae such as early osteoarthrosis and chronic pain.

Dynamic syndesmotic stabilisation and reinforcement of the antero-inferior tibiofibular ligament with internal brace

PurposeSyndesmotic injuries are associated with long recovery times and high morbidity. Systematic reviews show a trend toward better outcomes of suture buttons compared to screw fixation. The anteroinferior tibiofibular ligament (AITFL) confers the most significant component of translational and rotatory stability. Techniques have developed which reinforce the AITFL. This study aimed to assess results of syndesmotic stabilisation with dynamic stabilisation and reinforcement of the AITFL, with an early mobilisation program. Materials and methodsRetrospective case series of 30 patients (mean age 31 years). Syndesmotic instability was confirmed with clinical examination, MRI and weightbearing-CT. Dynamic syndesmotic stabilisation with a single suture button was performed followed by the placement of an Internal Brace over the AITFL. A standardised postoperative rehabilitation protocol was established. Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) scores were collected postoperatively. ResultsThe average follow-up was 13 months. The total FAAM score for ADL was 95 ± 4.9 % (range, 83 – 100 %) and for sport activities 87 ± 13.6 % (range, 50 – 100 %). The rating of mean postoperative function for ADL was 94 ± 5.5 % (range, 80 – 100 %) and 90 ± 13 % (range, 35 – 100 %) for sportv. The difference between acute and chronic injuries was statistically higher (p < 0.05) for daily activities and sport, but the rating of current level of sport activites as well as for daily activites did not show a significant difference (p = 0.9296 and p = 0.1615, respectively). Twenty-seven patients (90 %) rated their overall current level of function as normal or nearly normal. ConclusionThis technique aims to directly stabilise the AITFL and the interosseous components of the syndesmosis, and allow early mobilisation and return to sport at 10 weeks. Early results show the procedure is safe, with comparable results to the literature. Acute injuries showed better results of the FAAM score than chronic injuries.

Ankle syndesmosis biomechanical evaluation by shear-waves elastography in healthy young adults: Assessment of the reliability and accuracy of the measurements and definition of a corridor of normality

BackgroundAims of this study were: 1/ to evaluate the shear wave speed (SWS) properties of the anteroinferior tibiofibular ligament (AITFL) and the distal interosseous membrane (DIOM) in neutral, dorsal flexion and plantar flexion positions in a cohort of healthy adult volunteers; 2/ to assess the reliability and reproducibility of these measurements. MethodsBoth ankles were analyzed by shear wave elastography (SWE) in 20 healthy patients (10 females/10 males) standing on a hinge support with their ankles in neutral, 20° dorsal flexion and 30° plantar flexion positions. Stiffness of AITFL and DIOM was evaluated by SWS measurement. ResultsThe SWS of AITFL and DIOM were minimal in the plantar flexion position (4.28 m/s [2.65–5.11] and 3.35 m/s [1.69–4.55], respectively). It increased significantly for both ligaments in neutral position (4.69 m/s [3.53–5.71] and 3.81 m/s [1.91–4.74], respectively; p < 0.0001), and reached their maximum values in dorsal flexion (6.58 m/s [5.23–8.34] and 4.79 m/s [3.07–6.19], respectively; p < 0.0001). There was no correlation between each ligament regardless the positions. SWS of AITFL was independent of demographic characteristics analyzed. SWS of DIOM was negatively correlated with height in dorsal flexion (ρ = −0.35; p = 0.03) and in plantar flexion (ρ = −0.37; p = 0.02). Female gender was associated with increased DIOM SWS in neutral (p = 0.005), dorsal flexion (p = 0.003), and plantar flexion (p = 0.001) positions. Moreover, foot morphology (foot arch, hind foot frontal deviation) did not impact AITFL nor DIOM SWS. Inter- and intra-observer measurements were all good or excellent. ConclusionThe AITFL and DIOM, stabilizers of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis, increase in stiffness while dorsal flexion increases. This study describes a reliable and reproducible protocol to assess their stiffness by SWE, and defines a corridor of normality.

Dynamic Syndesmotic Stabilisation and Reinforcement of the Antero-Inferior Tibiofibular Ligament with Internal Brace: Early Results and Clinical Outcome

Category:Ankle; Arthroscopy; Sports; TraumaIntroduction/Purpose:Syndesmotic injuries are associated with long recovery times and high morbidity. Systematic reviews show a trend toward better outcomes of dynamic suture buttons compared to screw fixation. Higher rates of malreduction have been reported with screw fixation. The anteroinferior tibiofibular ligament (AITFL) confers the most significant component of translational and rotatory stability. Techniques have developed which reinforce the AITFL. This study aimed to assess results of syndesmotic stabilisation with dynamic stabilisation and reinforcement of the AITFL, with an early mobilisation program.Methods:Retrospective case series of 30 patients (mean age 31 years). Syndesmotic instability was confirmed with clinical examination, MRI and weightbearing-CT. In all cases arthroscopic assessment confirmed the instability intraoperatively and anatomic reduction with an AO clamp was achieved under direct vision. Dynamic syndesmotic stabilisation with a single suture button was performed followed by the placement of an Internal Brace over the AITFL. A standardized postoperative rehabilitation protocol was established. Patients were asked to immediately weight bear in a CAM boot for 6 weeks, commence sagittal Range of Motion (ROM) at 2 weeks, cycling at 4 weeks. At 6 weeks patients continued with full ROM and strengthening, running and cutting at 8 weeks and return to sports at 10 weeks. Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) scores were collected postoperatively and outcome of acute and chronic injuries were compared.Results:The average follow-up was 13 months. The total FAAM score for ADL was 95+-4.9% (range, 83 - 100%) and for sport activities 87+-13.6% (range, 50 - 100%). The rating of mean postoperative function for ADL was 94+-5.5% (range, 80 - 100%) and 90+-13% (range, 35 - 100%) for sportv. The difference between acute and chronic injuries was statistically higher (p<0.05) for daily activities and sport, but the rating of current level of sport activites as well as for daily activites did not show a significant difference (p=0.9296 and p=0.1615, respectively). Twenty-seven patients (90%) rated their overall current level of function as normal or nearly normal.Conclusion:This technique aims to directly stabilise the AITFL and the interosseous components of the syndesmosis, and allow early mobilisation and return to sport as early as 10 weeks. Early results show the procedure is safe, with comparable results to the literature. Acute injuries showed better results of the FAAM score than chronic injuries. Long term follow up will address long term outcomes, requirement for removal of devices and how well the Internal brace is tolerated.

Association between joint effusions and concomitant structural injuries (tendinitis and structural injury) on MRI in ankle trauma without fracture.

The evaluation of correlations among joint effusion, ligament injuries, tenosynovitis and osteochondral lesion of talus (OLT) in the ankle joint is important for developing a treatment plan and predicting prognosis. To evaluate correlations among tibiotalar (anterior) and talocalcaneal (posterior) joint effusion, tenosynovitis of major flexor tendons, ligaments, and OLT in a group of patients with ankle trauma. This retrospective study included 101 patients with ankle trauma who underwent magnetic resonance imaging. Two radiologists assessed the presence and amount of effusion in the tibiotalar and talocalcaneal joints from grade 0 to 2, according to the amount of capsular distension. Concomitant structural injuries were assessed in the tibialis posterior (TP), flexor digitorum longus, flexor hallucis longus, and peroneus tendons, and the anterior talofibular ligament, calcaneofibular ligament, anteroinferior tibiofibular ligament, posteroinferior tibiofibular ligament, and OLT. The proportion of anterior and posterior joint effusion according to grade was 67.3% for anterior joint effusion grade 0, 22.8% for grade 1, and 9.9% for grade 2; for posterior joint effusion, grade 0 was 74.2%, grade 1 was 22.8%, and grade 2 was 3.0%. We found statistically significant correlations between posterior joint effusion and tenosynovitis of TP (P < 0.05) and between posterior joint effusion and OLT (P < 0.05). Posterior joint effusion is correlated with TP injury and OLT; however, tendon injuries have no correlation with other structural injuries of the ankle joint in a general population with ankle trauma.

Limited intrarater and interrater reliability of acute ligamentous ankle injuries on 3 T MRI

ObjectivesTo determine the diagnostic reliability of the Schneck grading system for acute ligamentous injuries of (1) the three major ligamentous ankle complexes, (2) the individual ankle ligaments and (3) the Sikka classification for syndesmosis injury.MethodsAll acute ankle injuries in adult athletes (≥18 years), presenting to the outpatient department of a specialised Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, within 7 days postinjury were screened for inclusion. Ankle injuries were excluded if imaging demonstrated a frank ankle fracture or if the 3 T MRI study could not be acquired within 10 days postinjury. Two radiologists graded the three major ligamentous complexes (lateral ankle complex, deltoid complex and syndesmosis complex) and their comprising individual ligaments according the four-grade Schneck grading system. Syndesmotic injuries were classified according the four-grade Sikka classification for consequent injury of the individual syndesmosis ligaments and the deltoid complex. Agreement and kappa (K) statistics were calculated to determine intrarater and interrater reliability.ResultsBetween September 2016 and September 2018, a total of 92 MR scans were obtained (87 patients). Interrater and intrarater reliability of the Schneck grading system was moderate to substantial for the lateral ankle complex (K=0.47–0.76), fair to almost perfect for the syndesmosis complex (K=0.37–0.89) and fair to moderate for the deltoid complex (K=0.14–0.51). For the individual ligaments, kappa values ranged from moderate to substantial for the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) (K=0.55–0.73), fair to substantial for the calcaneofibular ligament (K=0.31–0.62) and fair to almost perfect for the anteroinferior tibiofibular ligament (AITFL) (K=0.36–0.89). Diagnostic reliability of the Sikka classification ranged from moderate to almost perfect (K=0.51–0.95).ConclusionsGrading of the three major ligamentous complexes and of the individual ankle ligaments according the Schneck grading system resulted in limited diagnostic reliability. When dichotomised for the presence of complete discontinuity, the interrater reliability of the Schneck grading system improved to substantial and almost perfect for the ATFL and AITFL, respectively. Classification of syndesmosis injury according the Sikka classification resulted in moderate interrater reliability.

Scanned versus Fused-Reconstructed Oblique MR-Images for Assessment of the Tibiofibular Syndesmosis—Diagnostic PerFormance and Reader Agreement

To evaluate the diagnostic performance and reader agreement of a novel MRI image fusion method enabling the reconstruction of oblique images for the assessment of the tibiofibular syndesmosis. We evaluated 40 magnetic resonance imaging examinations of patients with ankle sprains (16 with ruptures and 24 without) for the presence of anteroinferior tibiofibular ligament rupture. For all patients, we performed a fusion of standard two-dimensional transversal and coronal 3 mm PDw TSE images into an oblique-fusion reconstruction (OFR) and compared these against conventionally scanned oblique sequence for the evaluation of the tibiofibular syndesmosis. To evaluate diagnostic performance, two expert readers independently read the OFR images twice. We analyzed sensitivity, specificity, negative and positive predictive values, accuracy, and agreement. Reader 1 misinterpreted one OFR as a false negative, demonstrating a sensitivity of 0.94 and specificity of 1.00, reader 2 demonstrated perfect accuracy. Intrareader agreement was almost perfect for reader 1 (α = 0.95) and was perfect for reader 2 (α = 1.00). Additionally, interreader agreement between all fusion sequence reads was almost perfect (α = 0.97). The proposed OFR enables reliable detection of anteroinferior tibiofibular ligament rupture with excellent inter- and intrareader agreement, making conventional scanning of oblique images redundant and supplies a method to retroactively create oblique images, e.g., from external examinations.

Using Portable Ultrasound to Measure the Effect of Lateral Ankle Ligament Injury on Syndesmotic Stability: A Cadaveric Study

Category:Ankle; Sports; TraumaIntroduction/Purpose:About one-fifth of all patients diagnosed with an ankle sprain also suffer a ligamentous injury of the ankle syndesmosis. Despite the common concomitant injuries, it is still unclear whether there is a direct contribution of the lateral ligaments towards stabilizing the syndesmosis. Portable ultrasonography (PUS) has increasingly been used in the clinical setting, allowing dynamic and non-invasive evaluation at the point of care. The primary aim of this study was to assess to what extent lateral ankle ligaments contribute to syndesmotic stability in the sagittal and rotational plane using PUS. Secondary, we determine if PUS is a reliable tool for the assessment of syndesmotic instability. Our primary hypothesis was that lateral ankle ligaments contribute significantly to the stability of the ankle syndesmosis.Methods:16 fresh-frozen cadaveric specimens were equally divided into 2 groups that underwent PUS evaluation for syndesmotic stability. The assessment was done at the intact state and later with sequential ligament transection. In group 1, the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) was transected, followed by the calcaneofibular ligament (CFL), the posterior talofibular ligament (PTFL), the anteroinferior tibiofibular ligament (AITFL), the interosseous ligament (IOL), and the posteroinferior tibiofibular ligament (PITFL). In group 2, the transection started with the AITFL then followed by the ATFL, the CFL, the IOL, the PTFL, and the PITFL. PUS measurements were performed during anterior to posterior (AP), posterior to anterior (PA), and external rotated loading condition (Figure 1). One-way ANOVA and post hoc Dunnett test were used to compare the findings of each state to the intact. Besides, we assessed the inter-rater and intra-rater reliability using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) through a two-way mixed-effects model.Results:In group 1, showed that compared to the intact stage, fibular translation in the sagittal plane and the anterior tibiofibular clear space (TFCS) distance did not increase after transection of all three lateral ankle ligaments. However, the syndesmotic PUS measurements did increase after subsequent transection of the AITFL and IOL (p-values ranging from 0.047 to <0.001). In group 2, the AP translation of the fibula in sagittal plane, as well as the anterior TFCS distance, only increased significantly after transection of at least two syndesmotic ligaments (AITFL, IOL) together with two lateral ligaments (ATFL and CFL) (p-values ranging from 0.047 to <0.001). The ICCs Inter-rater and intra-rater reliability for syndesmotic PUS measurements ranged from 0.84-0.95, indicating excellent agreement.Conclusion:PUS is a reliable tool for the assessment of syndesmotic instability. Using PUS we found that lateral ankle ligaments contribute marginally to the stability of the ankle syndesmosis. Syndesmotic sagittal and rotational plane instability occurred after injury to all three syndesmotic ligaments or after partial syndesmotic injury (AITFL+IOL) with concomitant two or more lateral ankle ligament injury. The intraclass correlation coefficient for the sagittal and rotational plane assessment of syndesmosis using PUS indicated excellent inter- and intraobserver agreement, and thus, can be a valuable diagnostic tool at the point of care.

Outcomes and Complications Following Treatment of Chronic Subtle Syndemotic Injury with Arthroscopic Debridement and Fixation with Suture Button

Category:Ankle; ArthroscopyIntroduction/Purpose:The syndesmotic injury can be occurred 10-18 percent associated with acute ankle sprain. This injury is commonly missed due to a difficulty to diagnosis in acute setting leading to chronic pain, swelling, and inability to return to previous level of activities and sports. Anterior ankle arthroscopic examination has been proposed to be successful technique to establish the diagnosis of this subtle injury. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate outcomes and complications of the patients who isolated syndesmotic injury and treated with anterior ankle arthroscopic debridement and fixation with suture button.Methods:A prospective case series of 62 patients who had ankle sprain with chronic pain on syndesmosis between 2015 and 2019 were enrolled in this study. All patients were failed from conservative treatment including bracing, ankle range of motion and strengthening exercises, low-does laser, and ultrasound treatment for at least 6 months after initial injury. The syndesmotic injury was considered when patients had chronic pain and swelling and athletic taping test was positive, and MRI demonstrated AITFL torn or fluid was ascended more than 10mm from ankle joint line. All patients were confirmed by intra-operatively ankle arthroscopy with a 3-mm shaver could pass through the syndesmotic joint. Syndesmotic joint was debridement and was fixed by suture button. Pre- and post-operative SF-36, FAAM, and VAS were obtained and compared using a paired t-test. Operative times, complications, and recovery times including time to return to ADL, work, and sports were recorded.Results:There were significant improvements of all functional outcomes (FAAM, SF-36, and VAS (p < 0.001 all)) with an average follow-up of 20.8 months. An average operative time was 30.2 minutes. Patients reported no previous pain after the operation (VAS 0/10, 54/62) and mild pain (VAS 1-2/10, 8/62). There were 6 patients with osteochondral injury intraoperatively and 9 patients with enlargement of anteroinferior tibiofibular ligament (AITFL). Recovery times included returned to ADL 4.9 weeks, to work 6.8 weeks, and to sports 5.8 months. Four patients had saphenous nerve irritation from the medial button and this was fully recovery at 4.8 months post-operatively and 2 patients has mild pain on fibular. There were no migration or disruption of suture button and no wound complications.Conclusion:Isolated sublte syndesmotic injury after ankle injury was successfully confirmed by anterior ankle arthroscopic examination and arthroscopic debridement and suture button fixation demonstrated significant improvement of functional outcomes as measured with FAAM, SF-36, and VAS. and patients were able to return previous activities. This technique is effective, safe, and feasible for treatment in patients with isolated subtle syndesmotic injury.

CASE REPORT OF A VERY RARE TRAUMA COMBINATION: CONCOMITANT COMPLEX IPSILATERAL ANKLE FRACTURE ASSOCIATED WITH TIBIA SHAFT FRACTURE

There is a relationship between tibial shaft fractures and ankle injuries. Complex ankle injuries including fractures and syndesmosis injuries associated with ipsilateral tibial fractures are uncommon.&nbsp; In this case report, a four-combination injury including oblique-spiral tibial shaft fracture [TSF], posterior malleolar fracture [PMF], lateral malleolar fracture [LMF], and anteroinferior tibiofibular ligament [AITFL] avulsion in ankle are presented. A 45-year-old female patient was reported to the Department of Orthopedics with the diagnosis of tibia fracture by the emergency department. Ankle injury was noted during clinical examinationa and evaluation of xray. CT study used determine the components of ankle injury and to plan surgery showed distal third oblique-spiral TSF, LMF, PMF, and AITFL avulsion. The next day, the patient underwent open reduction and internal fixation with the fluoroscopic guidance, for all fractures. Only the screw to the posterior malleolus was sent percutaneously under fluoroscopy. No complication and untoward event developed during and after the operation. The fractures reached both radiological and clinical bony union at 4 months. Ankle injuries such as LM fractures, PM fractures and AITFL avulsion fractures, which may be associated with oblique spiral type TSFs, are rarely seen or neglected. It is clinically important to recognize the four-combination injury preoperatively as unsuccessful reduction or fixing of the four-combination injury in the anatomic position may increase the risk of posttraumatic arthritis. Therefore, ankle fracture and syndesmosis injuries which is associated with tibia shaft fracture should not be missed and should treated appropriately.

Intraoperative Torque Test to Assess Syndesmosis Instability.

In this cadaveric study, a new "torque test" (TT) stressing the fibula posterolaterally under direct visualization was compared with the classical external rotation stress test (ERT) and lateral stress test (LST). The anteroinferior tibiofibular ligament (AiTFL), the interosseous membrane (IOM), and the posteroinferior tibiofibular ligament (PiTFL) were sectioned sequentially on 10 fresh-frozen human ankles. At each stage of dissection, instability was assessed using the LST, ERT, and TT under direct visualization. Anatomical tibiofibular diastasis measurements were taken directly on cadavers and compared using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. All 3 tests showed statistically significant motion in the syndesmosis when at least 2 ligaments were sectioned. The mean increase across diastasis with a 2-ligament section was 3.0 mm ( P = .005), 3.2 mm ( P = .005), and 4.8 mm ( P = .005) for the LST, ERT, and TT, respectively. The largest mean increase in diastasis was obtained with a complete injury using the TT and was 6.2 mm ( P = .008). With the TT, a 3.5-mm tibiofibular diastasis was 90% sensitive and 100% specific when 2 or more syndesmotic ligaments were sectioned. The TT was a more sensitive and specific tool for detecting syndesmosis instability than classic LST and ERT. Stressing the fibula in a posterolateral direction created a larger distal tibiofibular diastasis, which would be easier to detect in the intraoperative setting. The TT was more sensitive and specific to detecting a 2-ligament syndesmotic injury than the classic test and required less force to perform.

Outcome Comparison Between Functional Ankle Instability Cases With and Without Anterior Ankle Impingement: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Functional ankle instability (FAI) and anterior ankle impingement (AAI) are likely to occur simultaneously. Nevertheless, how AAI affects ankle instability remains largely unknown. This study aimed to assess patients with FAI + AAI and those having FAI without AAI after arthroscopic synovectomy combined with the modified Broström procedure. Patients with chronic ankle instability who underwent surgery at the Huashan Hospital of Fudan University (China) from January 2010 to December 2015 were reviewed. Propensity score matching was performed (FAI + AAI: n = 86; FAI without AAI: n = 43). Ankle function was assessed by the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) and the Meislin criteria at 3 months, 1 year, and final follow-up. In the FAI + AAI group, AOFAS scores increased from 52.6 ± 7.2 to 78.6 ± 8.2, 84.2 ± 6.4, and 83.6 ± 11.3 at 3 months, 1 year, and last follow-up, respectively (p < .001). In the FAI without AAI group, AOFAS scores increased from 64.3 ± 10.5 to 85.2 ± 8.6, 91.4 ± 7.9, and 90.2 ± 9.8 at 3 months, 1 year, and last follow-up, respectively (p < .001; all p < .05 for differences between the 2 groups at each time point). The 2 groups showed similar scores based on the Meislin criteria (p = .38). Hypertrophic distal fascicle of the anteroinferior tibiofibular ligament showed lower AOFAS scores (all p < .05). Patients with FAI with or without AAI had improved outcomes with arthroscopic synovectomy combined with the modified Broström procedure; however, patients with combined FAI and AAI showed a relatively poorer outcome in comparison with those suffering from FAI alone, probably because of hypertrophic distal fascicle of the anteroinferior tibiofibular ligament.

Arthroscopic Quantification of Syndesmotic Instability in a Cadaveric Model

To investigate whether arthroscopy or stress radiography can identify instability resulting from single-ligament injury of the ankle syndesmosis and to determine whether either modality is capable of differentiating between various levels of ligament injury. Syndesmotic/deltoid ligament sectioning was performed in 10 cadaver legs. Arthroscopic evaluation and fluoroscopic stress testing were completed after each sectioning. In group 1 (n= 5), sectioning began with anteroinferior tibiofibular ligament (AITFL), then interosseous membrane (IOM), posteroinferior tibiofibular ligament (PITFL), and deltoid. In group 2 (n= 5), this order was reversed. Measurements were made by determining the largest-sized probe that would fit in the anterior and posterior syndesmosis. Radiographic parameters included tibiofibular overlap/clear space and medial clear space. No radiographic measurement proved useful in distinguishing between intact and transected AITFL. Anterior probe (AP) size reached significance when distinguishing between intact and AITFL-transected specimens (P < .0001). AP detected significant differences comparing single with 2-, 3-, and 4-ligament (AITFL, IOM, PITFL, deltoid) disruptions (P= .05, <.0001, and <.0001, respectively). Significant differences were observed between 2- and 3/4-ligament (P= .02) transections. Posterior probe (PP) size detected significant differences between intact and single-, double-, triple-, and complete ligament transections (P values .0006, <.0001, <.0001, <.001, respectively). PP detected significant differences between single- and double-, triple-, and complete ligament transection models (P= .0075, .0010, and .0010, respectively). PP distinguished between 2- and 3/4-ligament (P= .03) transections. Stress radiography did not distinguish between intact and single-ligament disruption, and was unreliable in distinguishing between sequential transection models. Arthroscopy significantly predicted isolated disruption of the AITFL or deltoid ligaments. Also, probing was able to differentiate between most patterns of ligament injury, including sequential transections. These data can aid surgeons during arthroscopy of the ankle when attempting to correlate intraoperative syndesmotic evaluation findings with the extent of ligament injury.

Surgical Treatment of Ankle Syndesmosis Injuries with Syndesmosis Elastic Hook.

Surgical Treatment of Ankle Syndesmosis Injuries with Syndesmosis Elastic Hook.

Minor or occult ankle instability as a cause of anterolateral pain after ankle sprain.

The aim of this study was to determine which intra-articular injuries are associated with chronic anterolateral pain and functional instability after an ankle sprain. From 2008 to 2010, records of all patients who underwent ankle joint arthroscopy with anterolateral pain and functional instability after an ankle sprain were reviewed. A systematic arthroscopic examination of the intra-articular structures of the ankle joint was performed. Location and characteristics of the injuries were identified and recorded. A total of 36 ankle arthroscopic procedures were reviewed. A soft-tissue occupying mass over the lateral recess was present in 18 patients (50%). A partial injury of the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) was observed in 24 patients (66.6%). Cartilage abrasion due to the distal fascicle of the anteroinferior tibiofibular ligament coming into contact with the talus was seen in 21 patients (58.3%), but no thickening of the ligament was observed. Injury to the intra-articular posterior structures, including the transverse ligament in 19 patients (52.7%) and the posterior surface of the distal tibia in 21 patients (58.3%), was observed. Intra-articular pathological findings have been observed in patients affected by anterolateral pain after an ankle sprain. Despite no demonstrable abnormal lateral laxity, morphologic ATFL abnormality has been observed on arthroscopic evaluation. An injury of the ATFL is present in patients with chronic anterolateral pain and functional instability after an ankle sprain. A degree of microinstability due to a deficiency of the ATFL could explain the intra-articular pathological findings and the patients' complaints. IV.

Post-traumatic anterior impingement of the ankle

We enjoyed reading the well-illustrated report of 2 cases published by Valkering et al. [6]. They describe 2 patients with persisting anterior ankle impingement after an ankle sprain due to a web-like intra-articular fibrous band. One year after arthroscopic dissection of these bands, both patients were free of complaints. The authors and also others suggest that these transarticular fibrous strands could be induced by the intra-articular accumulation of blood after a trauma [2, 6]. Therefore, they advise that considering the aetiology of these bands, the consequence of observing one should prompt a careful inspection of the ankle joint for additional post-traumatic pathology. However, we have two comments on this article, and the conclusions of the authors should be seen in this light. We agree that anterior ankle arthroscopy is of great value in the diagnostic work-up and treatment for these post-traumatic intra-articular bands; however, the authors did not discuss that these bands should be differentiated from a distal/associated fascicle of the antero-inferior tibiofibular ligament (one of the syndesmotic ligaments). The fibres of the accessory ligament descended obliquely from the lateral, anterior, and distal borders of the tibia to the anteromedial aspect of the lateral malleolus, approximating the fibular insertion of the anterior talofibular ligament [1, 7]. The incidence of the accessory fascicle differs very widely in several studies and could be a normal finding [5]. When the band restricts plantar flexion, the diagnosis of post-traumatic anterior fibrous bundle is more probable because this accessory ligament only causes pain complaints [4]. The anatomical and pathomechanical aspects of these two pathologies differ and are interesting for the ankle arthroscopist. The diagnosis with arthroscopy and treatment with resection are, however, very similar. The second comment is concerning the pathomechanism of the pain complaints. After non-operative treatment for ankle sprains, some degree of laxity will persist [3] and this could result in contact between the talus and the band in the ankles, which showed no contact previously [1, 7]. As Valkering et al. already suggested, an arthroscopic impingement test (bending of the band caused by impingement of the talus) could be performed and an anterior abraded articular region of the talus due to the impingement could be observed [6, 7]. The authors do not know whether the band already exists before the ankle sprain and becomes symptomatic due to the laxity caused by injury of the anterior talofibular joint and the subsequent altered biomechanics of the ankle joint. Can this band also be observed in (post-traumatic) ankles without an anterior impingement syndrome?

Isolated Chronic Anteroinferior Tibiofibular Ligament Rupture Repair

Chronic anteroinferior tibiofibular ligament tears are rarely an isolated pathology. Only a small amount of published, peer-reviewed literature exists describing the isolated repair of the syndesmotic complex in patients who present with chronic ankle pain. We present a technique to restore the anatomic stability of the ligament and syndesmotic complex. The procedure can be easily performed using allogenic semitendinosus tendon graft and stabilized with transyndesmotic screws. The graft can be secured with biotenodesis screws or anchors of the surgeon's preference. The patient described in this report had a successful outcome with no complications.

Juvenile Tillaux fracture with disrupted anteroinferior tibiofibular ligament: a case report

The juvenile Tillaux fracture is an avulsion fracture of the anterolateral corner of the distal tibial epiphysis. This type of fracture occurs when the anteroinferior tibiofibular ligament, with the foot position of supination-eversion or external rotation, avulses an epiphyseal fragment. Therefore, the anteroinferior tibiofibular ligament plays an important role in this injury, and usually remains intact. Here, we present a case in which the distal epiphyseal fragment was severely displaced and inverted, and the anteroinferior tibiofibular ligament was totally disrupted.

A Dynamic Ultrasound Examination for the Diagnosis of Ankle Syndesmotic Injury in Professional Athletes

Background Syndesmotic ankle injuries are not easy to recognize when an associated fracture or frank diastasis is not present. There is a need for a simple, fast, inexpensive, and easily reproducible diagnostic tool to assess the integrity of the distal tibiofibular synedesmosis. Hypothesis Dynamic ultrasound (US) examination can accurately diagnose anteroinferior tibiofibular ligament (AITFL) rupture. Study Design Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2. Methods We evaluated 3 groups: 9 consecutive professional athletes with recent AITFL rupture, a control group of 18 subjects without a history of ankle injury, and 20 patients with lateral ankle sprain. The dynamic US examination was performed in neutral (N), forced internal rotation (IR), and external rotation (ER) of the foot for measuring the tibiofibular clear space on the anterior aspect of the ankle, at the level of the AITFL, 1 cm proximal to the joint line. Results The mean age of the study group was 27 years (range, 16-32). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed the diagnosis of AITFL rupture in all cases. Differences between the injured and control group were statistically significant for the N, IR, and ER positions (P < .001) and for the measured Δ between the AITFL in the ER and N positions (P < .01). The difference in the tibiofibular clear space between the 2 ankles of the injured athletes was significantly different compared with the control athletes for all 3 positions (P < .001). The measured difference between the ER and N positions for both sides of the study group showed a specificity and sensitivity of 100% (P < .001; cutoff point of 0.9 mm and 0.7 mm, respectively). The Δ (Δ = ER — N) of the injured side showed a specificity and sensitivity of only 89% (P < .001; cutoff point of 0.4 mm). Additionally, the third group with the history of lateral ankle sprain showed, as expected, that this type of injury does not correlate with AITFL injury on dynamic US examination. Conclusion We conclude that dynamic US examination can be used to accurately diagnose an AITFL rupture. This preliminary study has found the described method to be a simple, inexpensive, and easily reproducible examination.

The distal fascicle of the anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament as a cause of tibiotalar impingement syndrome: a current concepts review

Impingement syndromes of the ankle involve either osseous or soft tissue impingement and can be anterior, anterolateral, or posterior. Ankle impingement syndromes are painful conditions caused by the friction of joint tissues, which are both the cause and the effect of altered joint biomechanics. The distal fascicle of the anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament (AITFL) is possible cause of anterior impingement. The objective of this article was to review the literature concerning the anatomy, pathogenesis, symptoms and treatment of the AITFL impingement and finally to formulate treatment recommendations. The AITFL starts from the distal tibia, 5 mm in average above the articular surface, and descends obliquely between the adjacent margins of the tibia and fibula, anterior to the syndesmosis to the anterior aspect of the lateral malleolus. The incidence of the accessory fascicle differs very widely in the several studies. The presence of the distal fascicle of the AITFL and also the contact with the anterolateral talus is probably a normal finding. It may become pathological, due to anatomical variations and/or anterolateral instability of the ankle resulting from an anterior talofibular ligament injury. When observed during an ankle arthroscopy, the surgeon should look for the criteria described to decide whether it is pathological and considering resection of the distal fascicle. The presence of the AITFL and the contact with the talus is a normal finding. An impingement of the AITFL can result from an anatomical variant or anteroposterior instability of the ankle. The diagnosis of ligamentous impingement in the anterior aspect of the ankle should be considered in patients who have chronic ankle pain in the anterolateral aspect of the ankle after an inversion injury and have a stable ankle, normal plain radiographs, and isolated point tenderness on the anterolateral aspect of the talar dome and in the anteroinferior tibiofibular ligament. The impingement syndrome can be treated arthroscopically.