Operative aspects of the syndesmotic screw: review of current concepts

Injury. 2008 Apr;39(4):491-8. doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2007.11.425. Epub 2008 Mar 7.

Abstract

The distal tibiofibular syndesmosis is important for stability of the ankle mortise and thus for weight transmission and walking. Syndesmotic injuries are most commonly associated with fibular fractures, but they can also occur in isolation or with damage to the lateral ankle ligament after traumatic supination. The need for trans-syndesmotic fixation of the distal tibiofibular joint has been controversial. The goal of this review was to collect evidence on the technical aspects of performing an osteosynthesis using a syndesmotic screw and to formulate some recommendations for clinical practice.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Ankle Injuries / surgery*
  • Ankle Joint / anatomy & histology
  • Ankle Joint / surgery*
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Bone Screws* / standards
  • Cadaver
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Fracture Fixation, Internal / methods
  • Humans
  • Immobilization / methods
  • Joint Instability / surgery
  • Lateral Ligament, Ankle / anatomy & histology
  • Lateral Ligament, Ankle / surgery*
  • Range of Motion, Articular