Needle arthroscopic-assisted repair of tibio-fibular syndesmosis acute injury:A case report

BACKGROUND Acute injuries to the tibiofibular syndesmosis,often associated with high ankle sprains or malleolar fractures,require precise diagnosis and treatment to prevent long-term complications.This case report explores the use of needle arthroscopy as a minimally invasive technique for the repair of tibiofibular syndesmosis injuries.CASE SUMMARY We report on a 40-year-old male patient who presented with a trimalleolar fracture and ankle subluxation following a high ankle sprain.Due to significant swelling and poor soft tissue quality,initial management involved external stabilization.Subsequently,needle arthroscopy was employed to assess and treat the tibiofibular syndesmosis injury.The procedure,performed under spinal anesthesia and fluoroscopic control,included nanoscopic evaluation of the ankle joint and reduction of the syndesmosis using a suture button.Follow-up assessments showed significant improvement in pain levels,range of motion,and functional scores.At 26 weeks post-procedure,the patient achieved full range of motion and pain-free status.Needle arthroscopy offers a promising alternative for the management of acute tibiofibular syndesmosis injuries,combining diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities with minimal invasiveness.CONCLUSION This technique may enhance clinical outcomes and reduce recovery times,warranting further investigation and integration into clinical practice.

Operative treatment for separation of distal tibiofibular syndesmosis

Objective： To study the influence of separation of distal tibiofibular syndesmosis on ankle joint and to compare various operative methods so as to find suitable stabilization for separated distal tibiofibular syndesmosis. Methods： From July 1997 to July 2002, we treated 87 patients （64 males and 23 females, aged 18-54 years） with separation of distal tibiofibular syndesmosis, among whom, 79 were combined with fracture of malleolus. Manipulative reduction, internal fixation with cancellous screws and external fixation with plaster support were performed on 37 patients, fixation with plate and screws for fibular fracture and fixation with cancellous screws for distal tibiofibular syndesmosis on 34 patients, and repair of the distal tibiofibular ligaments with tendon of peroneus Iongus, reduction of the separated distal tibiofibuiar syndesmosis, and fixation with cancellous screws on 16 patients. The ankle joint had been dorsiflexed for 30° when the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis was fixed with cancellous screws. And the cancellous screws were taken out at 8-10 weeks after operation. Results： These patients were followed up for at least two years. The curative effects were assessed according to the complaints of the patients and the contour, function and radiogram of the ankle joint： excellent in 55 patients （63 % ）, good in 18 patients （ 21% ）, and fair in 14 patients （16%）. Separation of distal tibiofibular syndesmosis recurred in 2 patients, who underwent a reoperation for repairing the distal tibiofibular ligaments with tendon of peroneus Iongus and recovered. One cancellous screw was broken off. No necrosis developed in the anterior skin of the ankle mortise. Conclusions ： Separation of distal tibiofibular syndesmosis can be treated with various reasonable operations. Repair with tendon of the peroneus Iongus can get excellent outcomes for complete separation of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis.

Surgical Treatment of Ankle Syndesmosis Injuries with Syndesmosis Elastic Hook

INTRODUCTIONDistal tibiofibular syndesmosis injuries are usually associated with ankle fractures, especially common in Denis B and C fractures. Syndesmosis is essential for stability of the ankle mortise that is required for weight transmission and walking. The syndesmosis consists of the anteroinferior tibiofibular ligament, posteroinferior tibiofibular ligament, inferior transverse tibiofibular ligament, and interosseous membrane. Internal fixations of the syndesmosis were recommended by most authors to repair the associated ruptured ligaments, which bring about the adverse consequences of limiting the physiological micromovement of the tibiofibular joint to some extent.