Chronic Syndesmotic Injury: Revision and Fixation With a Suture Button and a Quadricortical Screw

Abstract

Background. Chronic syndesmotic injury may cause long-term pain and reduced ankle function. Today, there is no consensus about the best surgical treatment of these injuries. We present the technique and results of revision and fixation with a suture button and a quadricortical screw. Methods. Eleven patients treated for chronic syndesmotic injury were included. The patients completed questionnaires regarding ankle function, and computed tomography scans were obtained to evaluate tibiofibular distance and osteoarthritis. Complications were registered. Results. At mean 45 months follow-up, the mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot score was 87 points. There were 5 complications, including 3 hardware-related pain. The tibiofibular distance was significantly reduced with surgery. Seven patients had progression of osteoarthritis. Conclusions. Even though the majority of the patients had progression of radiological signs of osteoarthritis, the functional outcome after revision and fixation with a suture button and a quadricortical screw in chronic syndesmotic ruptures is good and comparable to the results presented in other studies. Levels of Evidence: Level IV: Case series without control, technical note