Syndesmosis Injuries of the Ankle: an Update

Dr. Jorge de las Heras Romero Recognized expert in the area of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, Chief of reconstructive knee, foot and ankle unit at University Reina Sofia Hospital, La Vega and Virgen de la Caridad private Hospitals in Murcia, Spain. He received his PhD at University of Murcia where he is currently a lecturer. He has authored numerous articles and book chapters in his field and is the Director of Foot and Ankle Surgery Update Conference held annually in Murcia. Also, Editor of Orthopaedics, Traumatology and Sports Medicine International Journal (OTSMIJ), MOJ Orthopaedics and Rheumatology and EC Orthopaedics Journal. Being an invited keynote speaker at World Congresson Rheumatology & Orthopedics Conference held by Scientific Federation. Dr. Jorge de las Heras Romero is going to talk on “Syndesmosis Injuries of the Ankle: an Update.” A brief summary is presented here.

The term syndesmotic injury is used to describe a lesion of the ligaments that connect the distal fibula and the tibial notch surrounded on both sides by the anterior and posterior tibial tubercles, with or without an associated injury of the deltoid ligament. It includes four major ligaments: the anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament (AITFL), which limits the fibular external rotation; the interosseous ligament (IOL), which limits the lateral translation of the fibula; the posterior inferior tibiofibular ligament (PITFL), which prevents the posterior fibular translation; and the inferior transverse ligament, which limits posterior talar displacement. Injuries to the tibioperoneal syndesmosis are more frequent than previously thought and their treatment is essential for the stability of the ankle mortise. Recognition of these lesions is essential to avoid long-term morbidity. Diagnosis often requires complete history, physical examination, weight-bearing radiographs and MRI. Treatment-oriented classification is mandatory. It is recommended that acute stable injuries are treated conservatively and unstable injuries surgically by syndesmotic screw fixation, suture-button dynamic fixation or direct repair of the anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament. Subacute injuries may require ligamentoplasty and chronic lesions are best treated by syndesmotic fusion. However, knowledge about syndesmotic injuries is still limited as recommendations for surgical treatment are only based on level IV and V evidence.

For More information: http://scientificfederation.com/rheumatology-orthopedics-2018/