Anatomical reconstruction of the anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament in elite athletes using InternalBrace suture tape

Aims The ideal management of acute syndesmotic injuries in elite athletes is controversial. Among several treatment methods used to stabilize the syndesmosis and facilitate healing of the ligaments, the use of suture tape (InternalBrace) has previously been described. The purpose of this study was to analyze the functional outcome, including American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores, knee-to-wall measurements, and the time to return to play in days, of unstable syndesmotic injuries treated with the use of the InternalBrace in elite athletes. Methods Data on a consecutive group of elite athletes who underwent isolated reconstruction of the anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament using the InternalBrace were collected prospectively. Our patient group consisted of 19 elite male athletes with a mean age of 24.5 years (17 to 52). Isolated injuries were seen in 12 patients while associated injuries were found in seven patients (fibular fracture, medial malleolus fracture, anterior talofibular ligament rupture, and posterior malleolus fracture). All patients had a minimum follow-up period of 17 months (mean 27 months (17 to 35)). Results All patients returned to their pre-injury level of sports activities. One patient developed a delayed union of the medial malleolus. The mean return to play was 62 days (49 to 84) for isolated injuries, while the patients with concomitant injuries returned to play in a mean of 104 days (56 to 196). The AOFAS score returned to 100 postoperatively in all patients. Knee-to-wall measurements were the same as the contralateral side in 18 patients, while one patient lacked 2 cm compared to the contralateral side. Conclusion This study suggests the use of the InternalBrace in the management of unstable syndesmotic injuries offers an alternative method of stabilization, with good short-term results, including early return to sports in elite athletes. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(1):68–75.

Suture Anchor Augmentation for Acute Unstable Isolated Ankle Syndesmosis Disruption in Athletes

Background: Isolated ankle syndesmosis disruption (without fibula fracture) causes acute pain and may cause chronic instability and pain. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the outcomes after anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament (AITFL) anatomical fixation using anchor sutures for unstable isolated syndesmosis disruption without fibular fractures. Methods: This study assessed 22 athletes who were diagnosed with unstable isolated syndesmosis disruption with a positive external rotation test, had more than 2-mm diastasis on ultrasound, and had complete AITFL rupture on magnetic resonance imaging between 2004 and 2020. Eighteen patients (82%) were elite-level athletes, and the remaining 4 were recreational athletes. Twelve patients (55%) were injured by an external rotation force. The athletes underwent open anatomical suture anchor fixation between the AITFL attachment sites, the fibula and tibia. The mechanism of injury, return-to-play time, and Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) were evaluated. Results: All athletes returned to previous play except 1 retired elite athlete. Twenty-two athletes returned to jogging, team training, and official game play at an average of 62, 89, and 102 days, respectively. The final average follow-up FAOS symptom, pain, daily activity, sports activity, and quality of life scores were 98, 97, 100, 99, and 97, respectively. Two athletes were reinjured, and 1 required reoperation in the follow-up period. Conclusion: Athletes with isolated syndesmosis disruption had a high likelihood to return to their previous activity level after suture anchor augmentation. Level of Evidence: Level IV.

Do Coronal or Sagittal Plane Measurements Have the Highest Accuracy to Arthroscopically Diagnose Syndesmotic Instability?

Background: To compare the accuracy of arthroscopic sagittal versus coronal plane distal tibiofibular motion toward diagnosing syndesmotic instability. Methods: Arthroscopic assessment of the syndesmosis was performed on 21 above-knee cadaveric specimens, first with all ligaments intact and subsequently with sequential transection of the anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament, the interosseous ligament, the posterior inferior tibiofibular ligament, and the deltoid ligament. A lateral hook test, an anterior-to-posterior (AP) translation test, and a posterior-to-anterior (PA) translation test were performed under 100 N of applied force. Anterior and posterior third coronal plane diastasis and AP and PA sagittal plane fibular translations were measured relative to the static tibia. Results: Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed that the area under the curve (AUC) was higher for the combined AP and PA sagittal measurements (AUC, 0.91; accuracy, 83.5%; sensitivity, 78%; specificity, 89%) than the coronal plane measurements (anterior third: AUC, 0.65; accuracy, 60.5%; sensitivity, 63%; specificity, 59%; posterior third: AUC, 0.73; accuracy, 68.5%; sensitivity, 80%; specificity, 57%) ( P < .001), underscoring the higher accuracy of sagittal plane measurements. Conclusion: Arthroscopic measurement of sagittal plane fibular translation is more accurate than coronal plane diastasis for evaluating syndesmotic instability. Clinical Relevance: Clinicians should focus on distal tibiofibular motion in the sagittal plane when arthroscopically evaluating suspected syndesmotic instability. Level of Evidence: Biomechanical cadaveric study.

Diagnostic value of ultrasonography in acute lateral and syndesmotic ligamentous ankle injuries

Objectives To determine the diagnostic value of ultrasonography for complete discontinuity of the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL), the calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) and the anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament (AITFL). Methods All acute ankle injuries in adult athletes (> 18 years old) presenting to the outpatient department of a specialised Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital within 7 days post-injury were assessed for eligibility. Using ultrasonography, one musculoskeletal radiologist assessed the ATFL, CFL and AITFL for complete discontinuity. Dynamic ultrasound measurements of the tibiofibular distance (mm) in both ankles (injured and contralateral) were acquired in the neutral position (N), during maximal external rotation (Max ER), and maximal internal rotation (Max IR). MR imaging was used as a reference standard. Results Between October 2017 and July 2019, 92 acute ankle injuries were included. Ultrasound diagnosed complete discontinuity of the ATFL with 87% (CI 74–95%) sensitivity and 69% (CI 53–82%) specificity. Discontinuity of the CFL was diagnosed with 29% (CI 10–56%) sensitivity and 92% (CI 83–97%) specificity. Ultrasound diagnosed discontinuity of the AITFL with 100% (CI 74–100%) sensitivity and 100% (CI 95–100%) specificity. Of the dynamic measurements, the side-to-side difference in external rotation had the highest diagnostic value for complete discontinuity of the AITFL (sensitivity 82%, specificity 86%; cut-off 0.93 mm). Conclusions Ultrasound has a good to excellent diagnostic value for complete discontinuity of the ATFL and AITFL. Therefore, ultrasound can be used to screen for injury of the ATFL and AITFL. Compared with ultrasound, dynamic ultrasound has inferior diagnostic value for complete discontinuity of the AITFL. Key Points • Ultrasound has a good to excellent diagnostic value for complete discontinuity of the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) and anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament (AITFL). • Ultrasound can be used to screen for injury of the ATFL and AITFL. • Compared with ultrasound, dynamic ultrasound has inferior diagnostic value for complete discontinuity of the AITFL.

Anterior Syndesmotic Augmentation Technique Using Nonabsorbable Suture-Tape for Acute and Chronic Syndesmotic Instability

Syndesmotic instability is a source of significant pain and disability. Both subtle instability and gross diastasis, whether acute or chronic, require stabilization and may benefit from reconstruction with ligamentous augmentation. The use of nonabsorbable suture-tape has emerged as a promising operative strategy, allowing surgeons to anatomically reconstruct the syndesmosis, in particular the anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament. The current work provides a detailed description of the technique and preliminary results of a patient cohort treated using nonabsorbable suture-tape for syndesmotic augmentation. Level of Evidence: Level V, expert opinion.

Reduction and fixation of anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament avulsion fracture without syndesmotic screw fixation in rotational ankle fracture

Objective We aimed to present the radiographic and functional outcomes of anatomical reduction and fixation of anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament (AITFL) avulsion fracture without syndesmotic screw fixation in rotational ankle fracture. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 66 consecutive patients with displaced malleolar fracture combined with AITFL avulsion fracture. We performed reduction and fixation for the AITFL avulsion fracture when syndesmotic instability was present after malleolar fracture fixation. A syndesmotic screw was inserted only when residual syndesmotic instability was present even after AITFL avulsion fracture fixation. The radiographic parameters were compared with those of the contralateral uninjured ankles. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scores were assessed 1 year postoperatively. Results Fifty-four patients showed syndesmotic instability after malleolar fracture fixation and underwent reduction and fixation for AITFL avulsion fracture. Among them, 45 (83.3%) patients achieved syndesmotic stability, while 9 (16.7%) patients with residual syndesmotic instability needed additional syndesmotic screw fixation. The postoperative radiographic parameters were not significantly different from those of the uninjured ankles. The mean AOFAS score was 94. Conclusion Reduction and fixation of AITFL avulsion fracture obviated the need for syndesmotic screw fixation in more than 80% of patients with AITFL avulsion fracture and syndesmotic instability.

Effect of a Controlled Ankle Motion Walking Boot on Syndesmotic Instability During Weightbearing: A Cadaveric Study

Background: Syndesmotic injuries can lead to long-term complications; hence, they require careful management. Conservative treatment is adequate when 1 syndesmotic ligament is injured, but surgery is often necessary to achieve articular congruity when 3 syndesmotic ligaments are ruptured. However, there is some controversy over the best treatment for 2-ligament injuries. Purpose: To evaluate the effect of a controlled ankle motion (CAM) walking boot on syndesmotic instability following iatrogenic isolated anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament (AiTFL) injury and combined AiTFL/interosseous ligament (IOL) injuries in a cadaveric simulated weightbearing model. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Ten cadaveric specimens were dissected to expose the tibial plateau and syndesmosis. The specimens were fitted to a custom-made device, and a reproducible axial load of 750 N was applied. Iatrogenic rupture of the syndesmotic ligaments (AiTFL + IOL) was done sequentially. Uninjured syndesmoses, isolated AiTFL rupture, and combined AiTFL/IOL rupture were compared with and without axial loading (AL) and CAM boot. The distal tibiofibular relationship was evaluated using a previously validated computed tomography scan measurement system. Wilcoxon tests for paired samples and nonparametric data were used. Results: The only difference noted in the distal tibiofibular relationship during AL was an increase in the external rotation of the fibula when using the CAM boot. This was observed with AiTFL rupture (8.40° vs 11.17°; P = .009) and combined AiTFL/IOL rupture (8.81° vs 11.97°; P = .005). Conclusion: AL did not cause a significant displacement between the tibia and fibula, even when 2 ligaments were ruptured. However, the CAM boot produced a significant external rotation with 1 or 2 injured ligaments. Clinical Relevance: Further studies are needed to assess the capacity of the CAM walking boot to prevent malreduction when external rotation forces are applied to the ankle. Moreover, special care should be taken during the fitting of the CAM boot to avoid overinflation of the cushions.

Use of Anatomical Landmarks in Ankle Arthroscopy to Determine Accuracy of Syndesmotic Reduction: A Cadaveric Study

Background. The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of ankle arthroscopy as a means for diagnosing syndesmotic reduction or malreduction and to determine anatomical landmarks for diagnosis. Methods. Six matched-pair cadavers (n = 12) with through-knee amputations were studied. Component parts of the syndesmosis and distal 10 cm of the interosseous membrane (IOM) were sectioned in each. The 12 specimens were divided into 2 groups: 6 specimens in the in-situ group fixed with suture button technique and 6 specimens in the malreduced group rigidly held with a 3.5-mm screw. Specimens were randomized to undergo diagnostic arthroscopy by 3 fellowship-trained foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeons in a blinded fashion. Surgeons were asked to determine if the syndesmosis was reduced or malreduced and provide arthroscopic measurements of their findings. Results. Of 36 arthroscopic evaluations, 34 (94%) were correctly diagnosed. Arthroscopic measurement of 3.5 mm diastasis or greater at the anterior aspect of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis correlated with a posteriorly malreduced fibula. Arthroscopic evaluation of the Anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament (AITFL), IOM, Posterior inferior tibiofibular ligament (PITFL), lateral fibular gutter, and the tibia/fibula relationship were found to be reliable landmarks in determining syndesmotic reduction. An intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for interrater reliability of 1.00 was determined for each of these landmarks between 2 surgeons (P < .001). The ICCs between 2 surgeons’ measurements and the computed tomography measurements were found to be 0.896 (P value < .001). Conclusions. Ankle arthroscopy is a reliable method to assess syndesmotic relationship when reduced in situ or posteriorly malreduced 10 mm. Levels of Evidence: Level V: Cadaveric