Fixation of Ankle Syndesmotic Injuries Comparison of TightRope Fixation and Syndesmotic Screw Fixation for Accuracy of Syndesmotic Reduction

Background:Ankle syndesmotic injuries are complex and require anatomic reduction and fixation to restore the normal biomechanics of the ankle joint and prevent long-term complications.Purpose:The aim of this study is to compare the accuracy and maintenance of syndesmotic reduction using TightRope versus syndesmotic screw fixation.Study Design:Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.Methods:This cohort study included consecutive patients treated for ankle syndesmotic diastases between July 2007 and June 2009. Single slice axial computed tomography (CT) scans of both the ankles together were performed at the level of syndesmosis, 1 cm above the tibial plafond. A greater than 2-mm widening of syndesmosis compared with the untreated contralateral ankle was considered significant malreduction. Clinical outcomes were measured using the American Orthopaedics Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) and Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI) scores.Results:Forty-six of 55 eligible patients participated in the study; 23 patients...