INTRODUCTION: Syndesmotic injuries of the ankle commonly occur via an external rotation force applied to the ankle joint. The effects of rigid or non-rigid fixation of the syndesmotic injury can be assessed by evaluating the three-dimensional kinematics behavior of tibiofibular diastasis. The specific aims of this study were: 1) to determine the physiological range of motion of the distal tibio...

BACKGROUND There is minimal experience with less rigid syndesmotic fixation devices which may approximate the normal distal tibio-fibular mechanics during healing. This study evaluates the ability of a FiberWire-button implant (Arthrex, Naples, FL) to maintain syndesmotic reduction as compared with a metallic screw. METHODS Ten matched fresh-frozen cadaveric ankle pairs with intact ligaments ...

Articular cartilage and bony contact at the distal tibiofibular cartilage contact zone (TFCCZ) is variable. The appropriate placement of syndesmotic hardware would benefit from a more accurate characterization of the proximal extent of the TFCCZ allowing surgeons to place hardware that simultaneously improves biomechanical stability and decreases the risk of iatrogenic cartilage damage. In addi...

Syndesmotic rupture is present in 10 % of ankle fractures and must be recognized and treated to prevent late complications. The method of fixation is classically rigid fixation with one or two screws. Knowledge of the biomechanics of the syndesmosis has led to the development of new dynamic implants to restore physiologic motion during walking. One of these implants is the suture-button system....