Chronic isolated distal tibiofibular syndesmotic disruption: diagnosis and management.

BACKGROUND

The current study outlines the pathology and treatment of persistent problems following isolated distal tibiofibular syndesmotic injuries.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted to review patients with isolated chronic syndesmotic disruption who were managed in the authors' institute during 4 years, from January 2001 to January 2005. Patients with concomitant bony injuries or lateral ankle instability were excluded.

RESULTS

The study included eleven patients with isolated syndesmotic disruption. All were males, with average duration of symptoms 4.7 years. Reconstruction of syndesmosis was achieved by semitendinosus tendon in all patients. The average hospital stay was 3.6 days, and the average follow up period was 3.1 years. According to West Point Ankle Score system, the average score after treatment was 95.4.

CONCLUSION

Chronic isolated tibiofibular syndesmotic disruption appears amenable to accurate diagnosis and delayed stabilization. Arthroscopic management of the associated intraarticular pathology followed by reconstruction of torn syndesmosis can offer an excellent outcome.