Internal fixation of distal tibiofibular syndesmotic injuries: a systematic review with meta-analysis

No consensus had been reached about the optimal method for syndesmotic fixation. The present study analysed syndesmotic fixation based on the highest level of clinical evidence in order to obtain more reliable results. Medline, Embase and Cochrane database were searched through the OVID retrieval engine. Manual searching was undertaken afterward to identify additional studies. Only randomized controlled trials (RCT) and prospective comparative studies were selected for final inclusion. Study screening and data extraction were completed independently by two reviewers. All study characteristics were summarized into a table. The extracted data were used for data analysis. Twelve studies were finally included: six of them were RCTs, two were quasi-randomized studies and four were prospective comparative studies. Four comparisons with traditional metallic screw were identified in terms of bioabsorbable screws, tricortical fixation method, suture-button device as well as non-fixation choice in low syndesmotic injuries. Both absorbable screws and the tricortical fixation method showed almost no better results than traditional quadricortical metallic screw (p > 0.05). Additionally, existing studies could not illustrate their efficiency of reducing hardware removal rate. The suture button technique had significantly better functional score (p = 0.003), ankle motion (p = 0.02), time to full weightbearing (p < 0.0001) and much less complications (p = 0.0008) based on short and intermediate term follow-up data. Transfixation in low syndesmotic injuries showed poorer results than the non fixed group in all outcome measurements, but didn’t reach a significant level (p > 0.05). The present evidence still couldn’t find superior performance of the bioabsorbable screw and tricortical fixation method. Their true effects in decreasing second operation rate need further specific studies. Better results of the suture-button made it a promising technique, but it still needs long-term testing and cost-efficiency studies. The patients with low syndemotic injuries should be well assessed before fixation determination and the indication of screw placement in such conditions needs to be further defined.     

Changes in the syndesmotic reduction after syndesmotic screw fixation for ankle malleolar fractures: One-year longitudinal evaluations using computer tomography

IntroductionTo evaluate time-dependent changes in the syndesmotic reduction after syndesmotic screw fixation and one year after screw removal for ankle malleolar fractures, and to assess whether the incidence of syndesmotic malreduction changes depending on the measurement method.MethodsWe assessed twenty patients who underwent syndesmotic screw fixation for ankle fractures. The syndesmotic screws were removed after six weeks of the fracture surgery. Syndesmotic reduction was assessed within two weeks of the fracture surgery and one year after the screw removal using the axial computer tomographic images. Side-to-side differences in the anterior and posterior tibiofibular distances, anteroposterior fibular translation, and fibular rotation were measured.ResultsThe mean anterior tibiofibular distance was 0.7 mm after syndesmotic fixation. It increased to 1.9 mm at one year after screw removal (p = 0.002). After syndesmotic fixation, four ankles had malreduction of the anterior tibiofibular distance, including three ankles with widening and one with overtightening. At one year, eight ankles had malreduction, all of whom had widening. The other measurement values did not change over time (0.1 mm vs. 0.6 mm for the posterior tibiofibular distance, 0.2 mm vs. 0.3 mm for the anteroposterior fibular translation, and 0.7 ° vs. 0 ° for the fibular rotation). The incidences of malreduction were significantly different depending on the definition of malreduction, ranging from 10% to 50% after syndesmotic fixation (p = 0.01) and from 20% to 60% at one year after screw removal (p = 0.02).ConclusionsThe anterior tibiofibular distance widened after one year of syndesmotic screw removal. The incidence of malreduction varied depending on the measurement method.     

Ideal angle of syndesmotic screw fixation: A CT-based cross-sectional image analysis study

Without clear reference, the precision of syndesmotic screw placement cannot be guaranteed and malposition of these screws leads to poor results. Therefore, to prevent malpositioning of syndesmotic screws, an improved understanding of the orientation of tibiofibular syndesmosis is essential. We analyzed cross-sectional computed tomography (CT) scans of the foot and ankle to identify precise screw positions for the treatment of syndesmotic injuries. A total of 134 calcaneal fractures with intact tibiofibular syndesmosis were enrolled in this retrospective study. We measured the angle between the perpendicular line of the second proximal phalanx and the line start apex of the lateral cortex of the fibula bisecting the tibial incisura and crossing the center of the tibia in neutral ankle joints, with the second toe positioned anteriorly using a short leg splint. The second toe was used as the reference for clarity and applicability. The ideal angle of syndesmotic screw placement in cross-sectional CT images was 18.8 ± 5.6° (mean ± standard deviation) and did not differ according to independent variables (P > 0.05). In neutral ankle joints with the second toe positioned anteriorly, the ideal angle of syndesmotic screw placement is 18.8°, which is less than that currently in used in conventional methods.     

Malleolar tips as reference points for positioning of syndesmotic screw: A preliminary CT based analysis

PurposeThe risk of malpositioning of the syndesmotic screws is very high. A lack of standard radiological or physical references for accurate syndesmotic screw placement is a potential contributing factor in syndesmotic screw malpositioning. Malleolar tips are clinically as well as radiologically appreciable bony references. The purpose of this preliminary CT based study was to investigate the axial relations of the central syndesmotic axis with the malleolar tips.MethodsCT based studies of uninjured adult ankle joints with intact syndesmosis, conducted over a six months period were analysed. The axial differences between the coronal plane along the malleolar tips and that along the central syndesmotic axis in the axial plane were measured. Gender-based variations were also analyzed.ResultsA total of 70 CT studies were analyzed, and the axial difference between the malleolar tips based coronal plane and that along the central syndesmotic axis was observed to be 3.70 ± 5.61°. The male and female measurements were comparable.ConclusionBeing in a static relation to the syndesmosis independent of the foot position and the limb rotation, the malleolar tips can be reliably used as references for directing syndesmotic screw in the axial plane. A knowledge of this axial difference between malleolar tips and central syndesmotic axis can help surgeons in an accurate syndesmotic screw placement.     

Biomechanical comparison of suture-button,bioabsorbable screw,and metal screw for ankle syndesmotic repair: A meta-analysis

BackgroundTo compare biomechanically metal screw fixation to suture-button or bioabsorbable screw fixation for ankle syndesmotic injuries.MethodsA literature search of the comparison studies in Pubmed and Google Scholar was conducted. The biomechanical outcomes of interest were syndesmotic stability in the coronal, sagittal, and axial planes as well as torque and rotation at failure.ResultsA total of 11 cadaveric studies were included. In the suture-button group, coronal displacement (MD 1.72 mm, p = 0.02) and sagittal displacement (MD 2.65 mm, p = 0.0003) were increased relative to the metal screw group. In contrast, no difference was found with axial rotation (MD 0.35 degrees, p = 0.57). Bioabsorbable screws exhibited equivalent failure torque (MD ?3.04 Nm, p = 0.53) and rotation at failure (MD 3.77 degrees, p = 0.48) in comparison to metal screws.ConclusionsSuture-button provide less rigidity when compared to metal screw fixation. They afford flexible syndesmotic micromotion which may more closely resemble a physiological state and be helpful for ligament healing. Bioabsorbable screws demonstrate similar mechanical strength properties to metal screws.     

TightRope与金属螺钉内固定治疗下胫腓联合分离的临床疗效对比

目的探讨锁扣带袢钛板(Tight Rope)内固定与金属螺钉内固定2种术式治疗下胫腓联合分离的临床疗效。方法笔者自2012-01—2016-03采用Tight Rope(Tight Rope组)与金属螺钉(金属螺钉组)2种内固定术式治疗46例下胫腓联合分离伴或不伴踝关节骨折。分别记录2组术前、术后即刻、术后3个月、末次随访时后前位X线片上下胫腓间隙(TBCS)、下胫腓重叠距离(TBOL),观察比较2组术后VAS评分、部分负重时间、完全负重时间、AOFAS踝与后足功能评分。结果 2组手术均顺利完成,术后切口均一期愈合,均获得平均14(11~18)个月随访。2组术前、术后即刻、术后3个月、末次随访时TBCS、TBOL差异无统计学意义(P0.05);2组术后3 d VAS评分差异无统计学意义(P0.05);Tight Rope组术后部分负重时间及完全负重时间均少于金属螺钉组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05);Tight Rope组术后3个月及6个月的AOFAS踝与后足评分高于金属螺钉组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05),2组末次随访时AOFAS踝与后足功能评分差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。金属螺钉组出现1例螺钉弯曲、1例螺钉断裂,Tight Rope组无内固定松动、断裂等并发症。2组均无下胫腓联合再次分离、踝关节再次骨折等并发症。结论 Tight Rope内固定与螺钉内固定均为治疗下胫腓联合分离的可靠性方法;Tight Rope组可早期功能锻炼及下地负重,踝关节功能恢复较金属螺钉组更有优势。     

The role of the posterior malleolus in the treatment of unstable upper ankle joint injuries - A biomechanical study

BackgroundThis biomechanical study aimed to test if the fixation of the posterior malleolus (PM) only with screws inserted from posterior to anterior (PA) restores stability comparable with the natural condition. The extent of stability was also compared with that of anterior to posterior (AP) screw osteosynthesis (OS) with an additional syndesmotic screw (SS).MethodsFirst, the stability of the upper ankle joint in seven pairs of intact lower legs were examined. Subsequently, half of the lower legs were treated with PA screw fixation of a PM fracture without SS and the other half with AP screw fixation with additional tricortical SS.ResultsPA OS without SS showed significantly more diastasis (p = 0.027). The AP OS with an SS revealed a diastasis that was comparable with the intact condition (p = 0.797). The use of SS led to significantly higher stability compared to OS without SS (p = 0.019).ConclusionsThe Fixation of the PM alone without an additional syndesmotic screw cannot achieve intact upper ankle stability. Fixation of a PM fracture with an SS helps in nearly achieving the natural condition.     

Anterior-inferior tibiofibular ligament anatomical repair and augmentation versus trans-syndesmosis screw fixation for the syndesmotic instability in external-rotation type ankle fracture with posterior malleolus involvement: A prospective and comparative study

PurposeSyndesmosis injury is common in external-rotation type ankle fractures (ERAF). Trans-syndesmosis screw fixation, the gold-standard treatment, is currently controversial for its complications and biomechanical disadvantages. The purpose of this study was to introduce a new method of anatomically repairing the anterior-inferior tibiofibular ligament (AITFL) and augmentation with anchor rope system to treat the syndesmotic instability in ERAF with posterior malleolus involvement and to compare its clinical outcomes with that of trans-syndesmosis screw fixation.Methods53 ERAFs with posterior malleolus involvement received surgery, and the syndesmosis was still unstable after fracture fixation. They were randomised into screw fixation group and AITFL anatomical repair with augmentation group. Reduction quality, syndesmosis diastasis recurrence, pain (VAS score), time back to work, Olerud–Molander ankle score and range of motion (ROM) of ankle were investigated.ResultsOlerud–Molander score in AITFL repair group and screw group was 90.4 and 85.8 at 12-month follow-up (P > 0.05). Plantar flexion was 31.2° and 34.3° in repair and screw groups (P = 0.04). Mal-reduction happened in 5 cases (19.2%) in screw group while 2 cases (7.4%) in repair group. Postoperative syndesmosis re-diastasis occurred in 3 cases in screw group while zero in repair group (P > 0.05). Pain score was similar between the two groups (P > 0.05). Overall complication rate and back to work time were 26.9% and 3.7% (P = 0.04), 7.15 months and 5.26 months (P = 0.02) in screw group and repair group, respectively.ConclusionsFor syndesmotic instability in ERAF with posterior malleolus involvement, the method of AITFL anatomical repair and augmentation with anchor rope system had an equivalent functional outcome and reduction, earlier rehabilitation and less complication compared with screw fixation. It can be selected as an alternative.     

Acute syndesmotic injuries in ankle fractures: From diagnosis to treatment and current concepts

A stable and precise articulation of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis maintains the tibiofibular relationship, and it is essential for normal motion of the ankle joint. The disruption of this joint is frequently accompanied by rotational ankle fracture, such as pronation-external rotation, and rarely occurs without ankle fracture. The diagnosis is not simple, and ideal management of the various presentations of syndesmotic injury remains controversial to this day. Anatomical restoration and stabilization of the disrupted tibiofibular syndesmosis is essential to improve functional outcomes. In such an injury, including inadequately treated, misdiagnosed and correctly diagnosed cases, a chronic pattern characterized by persistent ankle pain, function disability and early osteoarthritis can result. This paper reviews anatomical and biomechanical characteristics of this syndesmosis, the mechanism of its acute injury associated to fractures, radiological and arthroscopic diagnosis and surgical treatment.     

Angle bisector method to determine the accurate angle for tibiofibular syndesmotic fixation: A validation study with 3D-printed anatomical models

PurposeThis study aimed to validate the angle bisector method on 3D-printed ankle models to reveal whether it aids in placing syndesmotic screws at an accurate trajectory that is patient- and level-specific and also not surgeon-dependent.MethodsDICOM data of 16 ankles were used to create 3D anatomical models. Then the models were printed in their original size and two trauma surgeons performed the syndesmotic fixations with the angle bisector method at 2 cm and 3.5 cm proximal to joint space. Afterward, the models were sectioned to reveal the trajectory of the screws. The photos of the axial sections were processed in a software to determine the centroidal axis which is defined as true syndesmotic axis and analyze its relationship with the screws inserted. The angle between the centroidal axis and syndesmotic screw was measured by two-blinded observers 2 times with 2 weeks interval.ResultsThe average angle between the centroidal axis and screw trajectory was 2.4° ± 2° at 2 cm-level and 1.3° ± 1.5° at 3.5 cm-level, indicating a reliable direction with minimal differences at both levels. The average distance between fibular entry points of the centroidal axis and screw trajectory was less than 1 mm at both levels indicating that the angle bisector method can provide an excellent entry point from fibula for syndesmotic fixation. The inter- & intra-observer consistencies were excellent with all ICC values above 0.90.ConclusionThe angle bisector method provided an accurate syndesmotic axis for implant placement which is patient- & level-specific and not surgeon-dependent, in 3D-printed anatomical ankle models.     

Suture button versus syndesmosis screw constructs for acute ankle diastasis injuries: A meta-analysis and systematic review of randomised controlled trials

BackgroundAnkle syndesmotic injuries can be surgically managed with syndesmosis screws (SS) or suture button (SB) fixation. We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) aiming to compare the clinical and complication profiles of both modalities.MethodsA multi-database search up to 4th of March 2018 was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. All RCTs comparing both techniques and published in English were included.ResultsFive RCTs with a total of 280 patients (140 SB, 140 SS) were included for analysis. SB had a statistically significant higher AOFAS score at 1 year (mean difference = 5.46, 95% CI = 0.40–10.51, p = 0.03) and lower implant failure rate (OR = 0.03, 95% CI = 0.01–0.15, p < 0.001). Infection and wound issues were marginally higher with SB (OR = 1.4, 95% CI = 0.4–4.85, p = 0.60). No other parameters showed statistically significant difference.ConclusionsBoth constructs yielded similar clinical outcomes. The 1 year AOFAS score was higher in SB but clinical significance is unlikely. SB had significantly fewer implant failures.Level of evidence: Level I.     

动态与静态固定2种方式在治疗伴下胫腓联合损伤的踝关节骨折中的疗效比较

目的比较动态与静态2种固定方式治疗伴下胫腓联合损伤的踝关节骨折的疗效。方法笔者回顾分析自2012-01—2015-06采用动态与静态固定方式行手术治疗的35例伴有下胫腓联合损伤的踝关节骨折,其中动态固定组16例,静态固定组19例。比较2组术后并发症、下胫腓联合复位满意程度、AOFAS评分和踝关节伸屈活动度。结果动态固定组与静态固定组在手术并发症及下胫腓联合复位满意程度方面,差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。术后3个月动态固定组AOFAS评分优于静态固定组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05),而术后6、12个月2组比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。踝关节伸屈活动度方面,术后3个月随访时2组差异无统计学意义(P0.05);而6、12个月随访时动态固定组优于静态固定组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论动态固定方法在治疗伴有下胫腓联合损伤的踝关节骨折中疗效可靠,与静态固定方法相比,可以早期负重活动,改善踝关节伸屈功能,同时可避免二次手术取出。     

Biomechanical comparison of screw,tightrope and novel double endobutton in the treatment of tibiofibular syndesmotic injuries

BackgroundAdequate reduction and stabilization of the syndesmosis are significant to prevent early degeneration of the ankle joint and get better clinical outcomes. However, the routine surgical methods have diffierent limitations. The purpose of this study was to develop a novel double Endobutton fixation to treat the distal tibiofibular syndesmotic injuries, and determine whether the novel double Endobutton fixation demonstrates a better biomechanical property compare with the intact syndesmosis, the screw fixation and the Tightrope fixation.MethodsTwenty-four normal fresh-frozen ankle specimens with a mean age of 42 ± 8 (range, 28–62) years were randomly divided equally into four groups: (1) the intact group, (2) the screw group, (3) the Tightrope group, (4) the Endobutton group. 3D printer technology was used to establish the personalized distal tibiofibular syndesmotic navigation modules to determine the accurate bone tunnel. Axial loading was applied in five ankle positions: neutral position, dorsiflexion, plantar flexion, varus and valgus. Rotation torque was applied in two ankle rotation of the neutral position: internal and external.ResultsIn most situations, the displacements of the intact group were larger than the screw group, the Tightrope group and the Endobutton group (P < .05), and the displacements of the screw group were smaller than other three groups (P < .05). The displacements of the double Endobutton group were slightly larger than the Tightrope group but no significant differences were found between these two groups except in the dorsiflexion position of axial loading experiments (P < .05). The novel double Endobutton fixation was steadier than intact syndesmosis and more micromotional than screw fixation.ConclusionOur study demonstrated that the novel double Endobutton can be considered as the better fixation in treatment of distal tibiofibular syndesmotic injuries.Level of EvidenceLevel III, retrospective comparative study     

Screw fixation of the syndesmosis: a cadaver model comparing stainless steel and titanium screws and three and four cortical fixation

We assessed syndesmotic set screw strength and fixation capacity during cyclical testing in a cadaver model simulating protected weight bearing. Sixteen fresh frozen legs with artificial syndesmotic injuries and a syndesmotic set screw made of stainless steel or titanium, inserted through three or four cortices, were axially loaded with 800 N for 225,000 cycles in a materials testing machine. The 225,000 cycles equals the number of paces taken by a person walking in a below knee plaster during 9 weeks. Syndesmotic fixation failure was defined as: bone fracture, screw fatigue failure, screw pullout, and/or excessive syndesmotic widening. None of the 14 out of 16 successfully tested legs or screws failed. No difference was found in fixation of the syndesmosis when stainless steel screws were compared to titanium screws through three or four cortices. Mean lateral displacement found after testing was 1.05 mm (S.D. = 0.42). This increase in tibiofibular width exceeds values described in literature for the intact syndesmosis loaded with body weight. Based on this laboratory study it is concluded that the syndesmotic set screw cannot prevent excessive syndesmotic widening when loaded with a load comparable with body weight. Therefore, we advise that patients with a syndesmotic set screw in situ should not bear weight.     

Clinical outcomes of an olive wire and external fixator versus a metallic screw in the treatment of inferior tibiofibular syndesmosis injuries in ankle fractures

BackgroundMetal screws are the most widely used in treating syndesmotic injuries, but failure and the rigidity of the screws can threaten the success of the treatment and increase the cost of care. We have provided an alternative with an olive wire and external fixator(OWEF) used for syndesmotic fixation.MethodsA retrospective longitudinal follow-up study was conducted. From February 2011 to January 2018, 58 of 72 patients with ankle fractures and associated syndesmotic disruption were treated with either screw or OWEF fixation. The costs, complications, and clinical outcomes using Olerud-Molander score and Visual Analog score in screw and OWEF fixation group were compared.ResultsWe found the severity of the injury, BMI of the patients and the different fixation methods were determinants of the complications and clinical outcomes. But if no malreduction of the syndesmosis was present, no difference in clinical result was detected.ConclusionThe OWEF method appeared to be at least equally functional and effective to screw fixation while maintaining possible lower complication rate.Levels of clinical evidenceLevel 3     

Dorsal bridge plating versus. Transarticular screw fixation for lisfranc injuries: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Lisfranc injuries are relatively uncommon but carry devastating consequences if left untreated. Although many surgical techniques have been proposed for best operative management, there is an ongoing debate over which procedure is superior. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing the outcomes of transarticular screw fixation and dorsal bridge plating in management of Lisfranc injuries. Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were searched to identify randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies comparing the outcomes between screw and dorsal plate fixation. The pooled outcome data were calculated by random and fixed effect models. One prospective cohort and three retrospective studies were identified with a total of 210 patients with mean follow up of 40.6 months. All papers were analysed for quality using the modified Newcastle Ottawa score. The results show that dorsal bridge plating is associated with better American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score (AOFAS) compared with transarticular screw fixation (OR – 0.71, 95% CI -1.31 to −0.10, p = 0.02). Dorsal plating may also be associated with fewer cases of arthritis, although this was not significant (OR 2.46, 95% CI 0.89 to 6.80, p = 0.08). We found no significant differences between the groups in terms of Foot Function Index (FFI), post traumatic arthritis and failure of hardware material. Although our results suggest dorsal bridge plating may provide superior functional outcomes, there is a scarcity of literature with little robustness to make definitive conclusions. High quality randomised trials are required.     

早期切开减压并螺钉固定治疗Lisfranc损伤并足骨筋膜室综合征

目的:探讨早期切开减压并螺钉固定治疗Lisfranc损伤并足骨筋膜室综合征的临床疗效.方法:回顾性分析2017年1月至2018年12月收治的5例Lisfranc损伤并足部骨筋膜室综合征患者的临床资料,其中男4例,女1例;年龄19～62岁.均为闭合性损伤.受伤至就诊时间1～14h.根据Myerson分型法,A型1例,B型...