Syndesmosis Injury Research Articles

Radiographic Outcomes of Flexible and Rigid Fixation Techniques of Syndesmotic Injuries Across Various Body Mass Indices: A Retrospective Analysis

In the setting of ankle trauma, surgical management of syndesmosis injury involves screw fixation and suture button technique. The efficacy of flexible (suture button) versus rigid (screw) fixation in the management of syndesmotic injury has been investigated extensively in current literature. There is sparse data comparing these two techniques across different body mass indices (BMI). In this study, two fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeons at urban level-1 trauma centers reviewed blinded post-operative ankle radiographs of BMI-stratified patients undergoing syndesmotic fixation. A total of 79 patients were included for analysis based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. There were 42 patients in the screw fixation group and 37 patients in the suture button group. The average follow-up period was 5.5 months. No significant difference was found in the average radiographic measurements when comparing the two fixation types, regardless of BMI parameters. This was consistent when analyzing individual fixation types stratified by BMI, as well as when comparing BMI groups stratified by fixation type. Additionally, the distribution of body mass index was even across both fixation types. Our study demonstrates that both fixation groups achieved comparable anatomic ankle reduction regardless of body mass index. The authors suggest expanding the indication of suture button fixation to include the higher body mass index patients.

The application of a return to performance pathway for an international soccer player recovering from ankle syndesmosis stabilization in time for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. A Case Report.

A 26-year-old male international soccer player suffered a West Point Ankle Grade III syndesmosis injury leading up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Following surgical stabilization, the player completed an eleven-phase return-to-performance (RTPerf) pathway designed to ensure rapid and safe return to play. The pathway employs distinct phases that incorporate clinical, psychological, and sports-specific criteria to inform decision making throughout the process. This case report outlines the phases and criteria used in conjunction with shared decision-making by the interdisciplinary team (IDT) to ensure a successful return to play at the highest level. The effectiveness of this pathway was demonstrated by the player competing at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Ankle syndesmotic ligaments avulsion fractures: incidence in adult population

BackgroundDistal tibiofibular syndesmosis injury is often associated with ankle fractures in adults. Injuries to the anterior/posterior inferior tibiofibular ligament (AITFL/PITFL) may present as a mid-substance tear or as an avulsion at insertion. Tibial and fibular avulsion of the AITFL is known as Tillaux fracture and Wagstaffe fracture, respectively. Tibial avulsion of the PITFL is referred to as a Volkmann fracture, and fibular avulsion of the PITFL is still undefined and has not been reported yet. The aim of this study is to summarize the incidence of these four avulsions, that is, tibial and fibular avulsions of the AITFL and PITFL.MethodRadiography and computed tomography (CT) imaging data of all adult patients with ankle fractures treated at our hospital between November 2010 and March 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. All ankle fractures were classified according to the Weber-AO and Lauge-Hansen classification systems by two experienced radiologists and two surgeons. The incidence of the four avulsions of the AITFL/PITFL was determined.ResultsIn total, 1,770 ankle fractures in 1,758 patients were included in this study. The total incidence of avulsions at the four insertions of the AITFL/PITFL (occurring at one, two, or three insertions) was found to be 26.3% (465/1,770). Volkmann fracture had the highest incidence (19.9%, 353/1,770), and it was followed by Tillaux fracture (5.3%, 93/1,770), Wagstaffe fracture (3.3%, 59/1,770), and fibular avulsion of the PITFL (0.5%, 8/1,770). It is noteworthy that fibular avulsion of the PITFL has been reported here for the first time. The incidence of avulsion at one insertion was 23.6% (418/1770) and 2.7% (47/1770) at multiple insertions.ConclusionIn adult ankle fractures, avulsion occurs at the four insertions of the AITFL/PITFL in more than 25% of patients. The tibial insertion of the PITFL had the highest incidence of avulsion among the four insertions, while the fibular insertion of the PITFL had the lowest. The four types of avulsions can be isolated or in association with other avulsions. Future research studies on these four types of avulsion fractures would help in accurate diagnosis, decision-making and treatment of ankle Syndesmosis injuries.Level of evidenceLevel III, retrospective cohort study.

Is There Any Purpose in Routine Syndesmotic Screw Removal? Systematic Literature Review.

Introduction: The aim of this systematic review is to examine the recent evidence comparing the removal and non-removal of syndesmotic screws in tibiofibular syndesmosis injuries in terms of functional, clinical, and radiographic outcomes. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify clinical studies on syndesmotic screw removal and its outcomes, searching the Cochrane Library and PubMed Medline for publications from 1 January 2004 to 12 February 2024. Studies were included if they involved tibiofibular syndesmotic screw fixation, assessed screw removal or retention, described clinical outcomes, and were original research with at least fifteen patients per group. Results: Most reviewed articles (18 out of 27; 67%) found no significant differences between the routine removal and retention of syndesmotic screws post-fixation. Four retrospective studies (15%) suggested that retaining screws might result in worse outcomes compared to removal. Two studies (7%) indicated that removing screws could introduce additional risks. One study (4%) observed that post-removal, there is some fibula-tibia separation without affecting the medial clear space. Another study (4%) noted that intraosseous screw breakage might increase the need for implant removal due to pain. Additionally, no significant differences in ankle function were found among groups with varying intervals of screw removal. Conclusions: The current literature does not definitively support routine removal of syndesmotic screws. Given the potential complications and financial costs, routine removal should not be performed unless specifically indicated.

Evaluation of Distal Tibiofibular Synostosis Formation and Risk Factors After Surgically Treated Ankle Fractures: A Single Centre Study

This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of partial bridging and synostosis in the distal tibiofibular joint after surgically treated ankle fractures and determine possible risk factors. In this retrospective study, patients admitted to our hospital with ankle trauma between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2020, who were operated on for an ankle fracture and had a follow-up period of at least 1 year, were included. Patients underwent anteroposterior, lateral, and mortise radiographs of the ankle and low-dose computed tomography postoperatively. The presence of partial bridging and synostosis in the distal tibiofibular joint was evaluated. The study included 75 patients (50 males, 25 females). There were 40 patients with the right fracture side and 35 patients with the left fracture side. The mean age of the patients included in the study was 43.96 ± 15.07 years. The total follow-up period was 40 ± 13 months. Nineteen patients had partial bridging (13 males, 6 females), and 9 had synostosis (7 males, 2 females). The incidence of partial bridging was 25.3%, and synostosis was 12%. We determined that high-energy trauma is a risk factor for synostosis, but we found that syndesmosis injury is not a risk factor for developing distal tibiofibular synostosis. Additionally, we found that distal tibiofibular synostosis and partial bridging do not affect ankle joint movements.

Post-treatment Functional Outcomes of Distal Tibiofibular Syndesmosis Injuries With Varying Duration and Method of Stabilization

The purpose of this study was to assess whether the type and duration of screw fixation affects ankle joint functional scores and patient activity levels. We evaluated 55 patients who had undergone surgical treatment for ankle fracture with concomitant distal tibiofibular syndesmosis injury. The follow-up period ranged from 2 years to 4 years and 2 months (mean 36 months). Depending on the time of screw removal, patients were divided into 2 groups (the 8–15-week group-19 patients, and the 16–22-week group-36 patients). There were 17 patients with tricortical and 38 patients with quadricortical syndesmosis fixation. The following parameters were assessed: range of motion, rates of complications, level of pain in visual analogue scale (VAS), and function. In the quadricortical fixation group the range of plantar flexion p = .04 and adduction p = .043 were significantly lower in the operated than in the nonoperated limb. In the patients who had their syndesmotic screws removed after 16–22 weeks, the range of plantar flexion in the operated limb was significantly lower than that in the nonoperated limb. We observed no differences between the evaluated groups in terms of ankle joint mobility, VAS pain levels, functional outcomes, or complication rates. All the analyzed subgroups showed poorer ranges of some types of motion in the ankle and worse functional scale and VAS pain scores after treatment in comparison with those before the injury. We suggest removing the syndesmotic screws after 8–15 weeks, due to the possibility of earlier rehabilitation, faster return to work and physical activity and less burden on the health care system. Tricortical or quadricortical syndesmosis fixation is at the surgeon's discretion.

Radiological characteristics and injury mechanism of Logsplitter injury: a descriptive and retrospective study

BackgroundLogsplitter Injury is a type of high-energy ankle fracture dislocation. The mechanism of injury has not been described in detail. A detailed understanding of the radiological features and pathological changes can further guide treatment.MethodsBetween April 2009 and December 2018, a retrospective analysis was conducted on 62 patients with Logsplitter injury. The study analysed the characteristics of fibular injury, tibial injury, syndesmosis injury, medial injury and lateral ligament injury on preoperative X-ray and CT scans. The incidence of the different injury types was summarised. The correlation between Logsplitter injuries and the mechanisms causing them were analysed using the Lauge-Hansen classification of ankle fractures.ResultsThe study provides data on the types of fractures observed. Of the total fractures, 98.4% were open fractures. The fibula injuries were classified as no fracture (1.6%), transverse or short oblique fractures (61.3%), butterfly fragments (25.8%), and comminuted fractures (11.3%). The tibial injuries included compression of lateral articular surfaces (38.7%) and posterior compressions (6.5%). Medial injuries, including medial malleolar fractures, accounted for 87.1%, and deltoid ligament rupture accounted for 12.9%. The study found that injuries to the syndesmosis consisted of simple ligament ruptures (11.3%), Tillaux fractures (8.1%), Volkmann fractures (43.5%), and Tillaux and Volkmann fractures (37.1%). In 12.9% of cases, there was a complete rupture of the lateral collateral ligament. Based on the Lauge-Hansen classification, 87.1% of injuries were pronation-abduction injuries, while 8.1% were pronation and external rotation injuries, and 1.6% were supination external rotation injuries. Furthermore, 3.2% of cases could not be classified.ConclusionThe pathoanatomic characteristics of Logsplitter injury are diverse, with some cases accompanied by collateral ligament injury. It is important to note that these evaluations are objective and based on current results. The most common injury mechanism is vertical violence combined with abduction, although in some cases, it may be a vertical combined external-rotation injury.Level of evidence(4) case series.Trial registrationThis study has been approved by the ethical research committee of the Honghui Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, under the code: 202,003,002.

Morphology of the proximal tibiofibular joint does not affect the type of lateral malleolus fracture and syndesmotic ligament injuries: A computed tomography-based study

IntroductionThe Proximal Tibiofibular Joint (PTFJ) is a synovial joint with anatomical variations located between the anteromedial surface of the fibula and the posterolateral facet of the tibia. These anatomical variations are believed to contribute to different biomechanical behaviors in both the knee and ankle joint and play a role in both physiological and pathological movements. Therefore, the morphology of the proximal tibiofibular joint may play a decisive role in the characteristics of ankle fractures and syndesmotic ligament injuries. Materials and methodsIn this retrospective comparative our CT database was searched between January 2015 and December 2022. Following inclusion criteria were used: Availability of knee CT scans for the fractured ankle, external rotation-type injuries (pronation external rotation and supination external rotation fractures). After applying the exclusion criteria (Plafond fractures, supination adduction and pronation abduction type fractures, pathological fractures, patients with previous fractures or surgeries around the knee, patients with previous fractures or surgeries around the knee, proximal tibiofibular arthrosis), 44 CT scans (mean age = 42.8 ± 14.1) confirmed eligible for further analysis. On each scan following measurements were performed: Coronal and sagittal PTFJ inclination angle, Joint obliquity, fibula head-tibia joint distance and tibia plateau-fibular axis angle. ResultsThe study consisted of 24 (54.5 %) male and 20 (45.5 %) female patients. According to the proximal fibular inclination, 29 cases (65.9 %) were of the oblique type, and 15 cases (34.1 %) were of the horizontal type. The distribution of PTFJ variations was as follows: 17 (38.6 %) concave, 4 (9.1 %) convex, 7 (15.9 %) atypical, and 16 (36.4 %) flat type. Regarding the PTFJ joint contour, the distribution was 13 (29.5 %) type a, 11 (25 %) type b, and 20 (45.5 %) type c. There was no relationship between measurements of PITFJ morphology and the type of ankle fracture and/or syndesmosis injury (p > 0.05). ConclusionPTFJ morphological features are not associated with rotational ankle fractures and syndesmotic ligament injuries.

Distal Tibiofibular Syndesmosis Injuries in the National Football League (NFL): A Spectrum of Pathology That Correlates With Time to Return to Full Participation.

Studies routinely evaluate high ankle sprains in isolation, but recent data suggest that these injuries are often associated with concomitant pathology, potentially influencing return to full participation. In National Football League (NFL) players, isolated high ankle sprains are rare and syndesmosis injuries with concomitant pathology will result in increased time to return to full participation. Cross-sectional study. Level 3. Distal tibiofibular syndesmosis injuries sustained by NFL players between 2017 and 2019 were identified through NFL Injury Surveillance Database queries and verified with video analysis. Each injury underwent a comprehensive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) review. Regression modeling was utilized to explore the influence of numerous imaging findings on time to return to full participation. There were 83 external rotation ankle injuries involving the syndesmosis. Isolated distal tibiofibular syndesmosis injuries were rare (n = 11; 13%) and more often associated with other ligamentous injury (deltoid ligament and lateral ligamentous complex) and/or fractures. Regression modeling resulted in clustering of 3 injury pattern groups for time to return to full participation across numerous imaging findings: syndesmosis injury-fracture combinations (250 days [interquartile range [IQR,] 142-266 days]), syndesmosis injury with complete deep deltoid tear or acute diastasis (175 days [IQR, 20-248 days]), and all other syndesmosis injuries (27 days [IQR, 18-46 days]). In NFL athletes with external rotation ankle injuries, isolated distal tibiofibular syndesmosis injuries were rare and more often associated with concomitant pathology. Time to return to full participation was affected by an associated fracture and complete deep deltoid ligament tear or diastasis but no other relevant MRI variables such as lateral ligament complex involvement or the presence of osteochondral lesions or bone contusions.

Better outcomes using suture button compared to screw fixation in talofibular syndesmotic injuries of the ankle: a level I evidence-based meta-analysis.

The present meta-analysis evaluated current level I clinical trials which compared the use of a suture button (SB) versus syndesmotic screw (SS) fixation techniques for syndesmosis injuries of the ankle. The outcomes of interest were to compare patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and complications. It was hypothesised that SB might achieve better PROMs along with a lower rate of complications. This study was conducted according to the 2020 PRISMA statement. In August 2023, PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Embase were accessed. All the randomised controlled trials (RCTs) which compared SB versus SS fixation for syndesmosis injuries of the ankle were accessed. Data concerning the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS), and Olerud-Molander score (OMS) were collected at baseline and at last follow-up. Data on implant failure, implant removal, and joint malreduction were also retrieved. Data from seven RCTs (490 patients) were collected. 33% (161 of 490) were women. The mean length of the follow-up was 30.8 ± 27.4months. The mean age of the patients was 41.1 ± 4.1years. Between the two groups (SB and SS), comparability was found in the mean age, and men:women ratio. The SS group evidenced lower OMS (P = 0.0006) and lower AOFAS (P = 0.03). The SS group evidenced a greater rate of implant failure (P = 0.0003), implant removal (P = 0.0005), and malreduction (P = 0.04). Suture button fixation might perform better than the syndesmotic screw fixation in syndesmotic injuries of the ankle.

HIGH ANKLE SPRAINS WITH SYNDESMOSIS INSTABILITY: TIME TO MRI MATTERS

IntroductionEarly clinical examination combined with MRI following a high ankle sprain allows accurate diagnosis of syndesmosis instability. However, patients often present late, and for chronic injuries clinical assessment is less reliable. Furthermore, in many centres MRI may be not be readily available. The aims of the current study were to define MRI characteristics associated with syndesmosis instability, and to determine whether MRI patterns differed according to time from injury.MethodsRetrospectively, patients with an unstable ligamentous syndesmosis injury requiring fixation were identified from the logbooks of two fellowship trained foot and ankle surgeons over a five-year period. After exclusion criteria (fibula fracture or absence of an MRI report by a consultant radiologist), 164 patients (mean age 30.7) were available. Associations between MRI characteristics and time to MRI were examined using Pearson's chi-square tests or Fisher's exact tests (significance set at p< 0.05).ResultsOverall, 100% of scans detected a syndesmosis injury if performed acutely (within 6 weeks of injury), falling to 83% if performed after 12 weeks (p=0.001). In the acute group, 93.5% of patients had evidence of at least one of either PITFL injury (78.7%), posterior malleolus bone oedema (60.2%), or a posterior malleolus fracture (15.7%). In 20% of patients with a posterior malleolus bone bruise or fracture, the PITFL was reported as normal. The incidence of posterior malleolus bone bruising and fracture did not significantly differ according to time.ConclusionFor unstable ligamentous syndesmosis injuries, MRI becomes less sensitive over time. Importantly, posterior malleolus bone oedema or fracture may be the only evidence of a posterior injury. Failure to recognise instability may lead to inappropriate management of the patient, long term pain and arthritis. We therefore advocate early MRI as it becomes more difficult to ‘grade’ the injury if delayed.

Postoperative Stability in Displaced Ankle Fractures With Concomitant Ligamentous Injuries

Ankle instability, which can be attributed to either the deltoid or lateral ligamentous complex, may be both a cause and a consequence of ankle fractures. This study aimed to assess postoperative ankle instability in patients with displaced ankle fractures. A total of 54 patients with displaced ankle fractures were included. Malleolar fractures were surgically reduced and fixated, and if necessary, the syndesmosis was stabilized. Concomitant deltoid injuries were left unrepaired. Ankle stress radiographs were taken approximately 25.4 months after surgery, with a standard deviation of 20.5 months. Radiographic measurements included the tibiotalar tilt angle (TT) on varus stress view, anterior translation of the talus (AT) on the anterior drawer view, and the medial clear space (MC) and tibiotalar tilt angle on the valgus stress view. These measurements were compared between the injured and the noninjured contralateral ankle for all patients as well as in a subgroup of 19 patients with concomitant deltoid and syndesmosis injuries. There were no significant differences in Varus TT (p = .675, p = .394), AT (p = .516, p = .967), Valgus MC (p = .190, p = 0.498), and Valgus TT (p = .173, p = .442) between the injured and noninjured ankles in the whole group of patients as well as in the subgroup of patients with concomitant deltoid and syndesmosis injuries. Patients with displaced ankle fractures exhibited radiographically stable ankles postoperatively. Syndesmosis fixation without deltoid ligament repair is a viable treatment option for achieving ankle stability postoperatively in fractures with both ligament injuries.

Computed tomography changes diagnosis, management and surgical planning of ankle fractures.

To demonstrate how the use of adjunctive Computed Tomography (CT) can modify diagnosis, treatment options, and operative planning of ankle fractures in comparison with conventional radiographs (CR) in isolation. A total of 53 patients diagnosed with an ankle fracture between 2011 and 2016, were assessed with CT and CR. Evaluations of the fractures using CR in isolation and CR combined with CT were compared using different readers. Fractures were assessed in terms of type, displacement, size, associated injuries, treatment, patient position and surgical planning. The medial malleolus fractures characteristics (posteromedial fragment and anterior colliculus), the presence of posterior malleolus fracture and its characteristics (displacement, size, posteromedial or posterolateral segment) (ps < 0.042), syndesmosis injury (p < 0.001), and the absence of deltoid ligament lesion (p < 0.001), were more evident with the combination of CT and radiographs. There was an increase in operative indication (p = 0.007), prone positioning (p = 0.002), posterior malleolus surgical treatment (p < 0.001), posterolateral approach for the lateral malleolus (p = 0.003), and syndesmosis fixation (p = 0.020) with the association of CT and CR, among all groups of expertise, with a high interobserver reliability (> 0.75). The CR may fail to demonstrate subtle lesions, such as posterior malleolus fractures and syndesmotic injuries. The CT evaluation increases the diagnostic precision and improves the quality of information the surgeon receives, what might positively affect patient care. Retrospective Comparative Study.

The Outcomes of Mini-Plate Fixation for Unstable Wagstaffe Tubercle Fracture, an Indirect Syndesmosis Injury in Rotational Ankle Fracture.

Background: Wagstaffe fracture constitutes an indirect injury to the AITFL and can precipitate syndesmotic instability. The prevailing fixation methods often involve the use of mini-screws or K-wires, with absorbable suture repair reserved for cases with small or comminuted fragments exhibiting instability. In this study, we devised a mini-plate fixation method capable of securing the fracture fragment irrespective of its size or condition. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted on patients who underwent surgery for ankle fractures between May 2022 and October 2023. The surgical technique involved direct fixation of the Wagstaffe fracture using mini-plate fixation. Radiologic evaluation was performed using postoperative CT images, and clinical outcomes were assessed using the OMAS and VAS. Results: Fourteen patients with an average age of 62.5 years were included. Most fractures were associated with the supination-external rotation type. The average preoperative OMAS significantly improved from 5.95 to 83.57 postoperatively. The average VAS score decreased from 7.95 preoperatively to 0.19 postoperatively. Conclusions: The mini-plate technique for Wagstaffe fractures exhibited dependable fixation strength, effective fracture reduction, a minimal complication rate, and judicious surgical procedure duration.

Long-term Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes Following Surgical Treatment for Ankle Fracture-Dislocations: Do poor radiographic outcomes always matter?

Background Ankle fractures constitute 10% of all traumatic fractures in clinical practice. Concurrent tibiotalar dislocations form 21-36% of all ankle fractures. Although mechanism of injury is similar to non-dislocated ankle fractures, fracture-dislocations cause more extensive bone and soft tissue damage. Treatment is a challenge for orthopedic surgeons due to concomitant pathologies. It is associated with malreduction, chronic pain and most importantly, posttraumatic osteoarthritis. We aimed to investigate the relationship between ankle osteoarthritis radiographic stage and clinical outcomes. Methods 27 patients (17 female, 10 male) were included in the study. Records and data were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical status at the final follow-up was evaluated by a single orthopedic surgeon. Range of motion (ROM), American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Score, visual analogue scale (VAS) were the clinical parameters that were assessed. Radiological assessment was made by standard anteroposterior [AP], lateral, and mortise views. Pre-operative osseo-ligamentous injury pattern, presence of posterior malleolar fracture, syndesmosis injury and post-operative ankle osteoarthritis were investigated. Results For 27 patients that were evaluated, at the final follow-up, mean AOFAS was 85 ± 8.12, and mean VAS during daily activities was 1.52 ± 0.70. Mean ankle dorsiflexion and plantar flexion were significantly lower on the affected sides (14.07 ± 7.97° and 36.30 ± 6.59°) than on the unaffected sides (28.15 ± 2.82° and 46.30 ± 2.97°), respectively (p < 0.001). No significant difference for inversion and eversion was observed. Twenty-four patients demonstrated radiographic signs of ankle osteoarthritis, and three remained without evidence of osteoarthritis. No significant difference was found among Takakura's stages in any of the variables. Conclusion The results illustrated that although post-traumatic osteoarthritis rate was high for ankle fracture-dislocation patients, surgical treatment achieved excellent functional results. Even if advanced stages of ankle arthritis according to Takakura's classification developed, patients had satisfactory clinical and functional results.

Standardized analysis of syndesmosis stability in ankle trauma with an innovative syndesmosis-test-tool: a biomechanical study.

When treating ankle fractures, the question of syndesmosis complex involvement often arises. So far, there is no standardized method to reliably detect syndesmosis injuries in the surgical treatment of ankle fractures. For this reason, an intraoperative syndesmosis-test-tool (STT) was developed and compared to the recommended and established hook-test (HT). Tests were performed on cadaveric lower legs (n = 20) and the diastasis was visualized by 3D camera. Tests were performed at 50, 80, and 100N in native conditions and four instability levels. Instability was induced from anterior to posterior and the reverse on the opposite side. The impact on diastasis regarding the direction, the force level, the instability level, and the device used was checked using a general linear model for repeated measurement. The direction of the induced instability showed no influence on the diastasis during the stability tests. The diastasis measured with the STT increased from 0.5 to 3.0mm depending on the instability, while the range was lower with the HT (1.1 to 2.3mm). The results showed that the differentiation between the instability levels was statistically significantly better for the developed STT. The last level of maximum instability was significantly better differentiable with the STT compared to the HT. An average visualizable diastasis of more than 2mm could only be achieved at maximum instability. In conclusion, the newly developed STT was superior to the commonly used HT to detect instability.

Ankle arthroscopy does not elevate complication rates in ankle fractures

IntroductionAnkle fractures rank as the second most common lower limb fractures, and surgical intervention is essential for unstable ankle fractures. The use of ankle arthroscopy in such cases offers several advantages. This study aim is to assess whether arthroscopy influenced on complication rates in 171 ankle fractures treated with arthroscopic assistance. MethodsThis retrospective epidemiological analysis encompassed adult ankle fractures between December 2018 and December 2021. Initially, 173 patients were considered, but two were excluded, leaving a final sample of 171 patients. Postoperative complications were categorized as major or minor. ResultsThe study included 171 patients with surgically treated ankle fractures assisted by arthroscopy, comprising 76 females and 95 males, with an average age of 41.9 years. Syndesmosis injuries were treated in all diagnosed cases (55.0%), and deltoid ligament injuries received attention when identified (33.7%). Arthroscopic techniques were preferred over open techniques (47.4%). Ten patients experienced complications, consisting of 2 major and 8 minor complications (5.8%). DiscussionOur study's epidemiological findings align with prior literature, demonstrating that intra-articular injuries accompany 63% to 79% of ankle fractures. Arthroscopy allows for both diagnosis and treatment within the same procedure, including joint lavage to reduce inflammation. We diagnosed 57 deltoid injuries and identified a statistical relationship between chondral, syndesmotic, and deltoid ligament injuries. Infection is a common complication in ankle fracture surgery, with rates ranging from 1.44% to 16%. Our study yielded a 5.8% complication rate, comprising 1.2% major and 4.6% minor complications. Patients undergoing ORIF with arthroscopic assistance had a lower prevalence of infection. ConclusionThe use of arthroscopic assistance in the surgical treatment of ankle fractures does not increase the overall complication rate. Level of evidenceIV

Repair of deep deltoid ligament ruptures near the medial malleolar attachment or midsubstance rupture by using suture anchors into the talus combined with the transosseous suture in the medial malleolar.

For deep deltoid ligament ruptures near the medial malleolar attachment, anchors were usually placed at the posterior colliculus and intercollicular groove. However, this procedure usually requires a prolonged surgical incision to fully expose the deep deltoid ligament, causing more trauma. In order to reduce surgical trauma, we explored the treatment outcomes of suture anchor into the talus combined with transosseous suture in the medial malleolar for the treatment of deep deltoid ligament ruptures near the medial malleolar attachment or midsubstance rupture. This is a retrospective study of patients who received suture anchor into the talus combined with transosseous suture in the medial malleolar for repairing deltoid ligament ruptures near the medial malleolar attachment or midsubstance rupture. The outcome measures include the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score, visual analogue scale (VAS), and the active range of motion (ROM) of the ankle at the final follow-up visit after surgery. Medial malleolus gap was evaluated by radiographic examination. This study included 64 patients. The mean follow-up time was 36.3 ± 15.2 months. There were 43 patients with injuries on the medial malleolar side, and 21 cases on the midsubstance. The average AOFAS and VAS were 87.5 ± 4.9 and 0.7 ± 0.5, respectively. No significance in medial malleolus gap between the contralateral side and affected side was observed. For deltoid ligament ruptures near the medial malleolar attachment or midsubstance rupture, suture anchor into the talus combined with transosseous suture in the medial malleolar yields good clinical effect and outcome, is an optimal management of ankle syndesmosis injuries.

Reliability of preoperative CT and intraoperative manual tests in syndesmosis injury.

We always confirm the diagnosis of syndesmotic injury with a Hook test for all ankle fractures and fixed if necessary. Then, we noticed a discrepancy between preoperative radiology and the Hook test. Moreover, we want to report the reliability of syndesmotic fixation decisions with Hook test and preoperative radiology. A total of 37 surgically treated patients with isolated Weber type C ankle fractures were included in the study. In all patients, the syndesmosis joint was injured in preoperative computed tomography and X-ray imaging. However, only patients with (+) Hook tests had undergone a syndesmosis fixation. Patients were divided into two groups: Group A: Hook tests (+) and Group B: Hook test (-). Also, the groups were compared according to clinical outcomes with the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS), and foot and ankle disability index (FADI) scores. The mean participant age was 39 (19-80) years, and the mean follow-up period was 47.27 (22-68) months. Groups A and B consisted of 17 (45.9%) and 20 (54.1%) patients, respectively. The mean VAS, AOFAS, and FADI scores were 17.7±14.3, 90.32±8.06, and 92.9±6.88, respectively. "Excellent" and "good" results were found in 34 (%91.8) patients according to AOFAS nad FADI. The malreduction rate was 8.1% in all patients, 5% in group A, and 11.8% in group B. No statistically significant differences in final functional scores were found between groups A and B. Hook test is reliable and adequate for evaluating the stability and quality of syndesmosis reduction. Weber type C lateral malleolar fractures in the decision of syndesmosis fixation; although syndesmosis injury is diagnosed in preoperative radiology, we recommend that the diagnosis be confirmed with the Hook test.

Assessment of lateral malleolus weber C fractures’ outcomes in patients undergoing syndesmosis-only fixation versus syndesmosis and fibular fixation

Abstract Introduction Ankle fractures were associated with syndesmosis injuries, so it is very important to gain accurate anatomical reduction of the ankle mortise and good fixation of the disrupted syndesmosis. Aim Aim of this study was to assess lateral malleolus Weber C fractures’ outcomes in patients undergoing syndesmosis-only fixation versus syndesmosis and fibular fixation. Subjects and methods The present study was designed as a randomized controlled clinical trial study that included all patients presenting to the emergency room at Suez Canal University hospital after an ankle twisting injury causing lateral malleolus Weber C fracture. Results Patients who had performed syndesmosis-only were found to have significantly higher tibiofibular clear space (AP and mortise views) at 6 months only compared to those who had syndesmosis and fixation. Also, There was no statistically significant difference between syndesmosis-only and syndesmosis with fixation groups in regard to medial clear space, incidence of soft tissue infection, delayed union, Complex regional pain syndrome or all items of OMAS scale. Conclusions There was a significantly stability and nearby functional outcomes with a minimally invasive technique in the group managed by syndesmosis-only fixation and the group managed by syndesmosis and fibular fixation. The results are optimistic regarding the benefits of syndesmosis-only fixtion in patients with lateral malleolus Weber C fractures. However, more confirmatory studies need to be done.