Effect of Deltoid Ligament Repair versus Syndesmosis Fixation on Ankle Joint Stability After Bimalleolar Equivalent Ankle Fracture: A Biomechanical Analysis

摘要

Category:TraumaIntroduction/Purpose:The current standard for stabilization of the talus within the ankle mortise after bimalleolar equivalent ankle fracture is open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of the lateral malleolus followed by syndesmotic screw fixation of the syndesmosis. Syndesmotic fixation may be associated with complications such as mal-reduction, joint stiffness, altered ankle biomechanics, and potential additional surgery for hardware removal. Consequently, some surgeons advocate ORIF of the lateral malleolus in conjunction with deltoid ligament repair rather than syndesmosis fixation. To our knowledge, clinical reports of this treatment option lack biomechanical evidence to support this approach. The purpose of this investigation was to compare ankle joint stability and contact pressures in a bimalleolar equivalent ankle fracture model treated with trans-syndesmotic screw fixation versus deltoid ligament repair.Methods:We prepared and tested seven fresh frozen cadaveric whole lower l...