Syndesmosis Injury From Diagnosis to Repair: Physical Examination, Diagnosis, and Arthroscopic-assisted Reduction

J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2020 Jul 1;28(13):517-527. doi: 10.5435/JAAOS-D-19-00358.

Abstract

Injuries to the tibio-fibular syndesmotic ligaments are different than ankle collateral ligament injuries and occur in isolation or combination with malleolar fractures. Syndesmotic ligament injury can lead to prolonged functional limitations and ultimately long-term ankle dysfunction if not identified and treated appropriately. The syndesmosis complex is a relatively simple construct of well-documented ligaments, but the dynamic kinematics and the effects of disruption have been a point of contention in diagnosis and treatment. Syndesmotic ligament injuries are sometimes referred to as "high ankle sprains" because the syndesmotic ligaments are more proximal than the collateral ligaments of the ankle joint. Rotational injuries to the ankle often result in malleolar fractures, which can be combined with ankle joint or syndesmotic ligament injuries. Most of the orthopaedic literature to this point has addressed syndesmosis ligament injuries in combination with fractures and not isolated syndesmotic ligament injuries. Thus, we propose a simplified general video guide to do the diagnostic examinations and arthroscopic-assisted reduction based on current evidence-based medicine.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anesthesia
  • Ankle Fractures / diagnosis*
  • Ankle Fractures / diagnostic imaging
  • Ankle Fractures / physiopathology
  • Ankle Fractures / surgery*
  • Ankle Injuries / diagnosis*
  • Ankle Injuries / diagnostic imaging
  • Ankle Injuries / physiopathology
  • Ankle Injuries / surgery*
  • Ankle Joint
  • Arthroscopy / methods*
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Bone Screws
  • Evidence-Based Medicine
  • Fracture Fixation / methods*
  • Fracture Fixation, Internal / methods*
  • Humans
  • Ligaments, Articular / diagnostic imaging
  • Ligaments, Articular / injuries*
  • Ligaments, Articular / physiopathology
  • Ligaments, Articular / surgery*
  • Patient Care Planning
  • Physical Examination / methods*
  • Radiography
  • Suture Techniques
  • Sutures