Injury to the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis, ways to improve treatment results (literature review)

Introduction Treatment of patients with distal tibiofibular syndesmosis (DTFS) ruptures remains controversial. Ankle fractures accompanied by syndesmosis rupture are associated with worse outcomes. There is no diagnosis and treatment algorithm for such injuries to date. The objective was to summarize the data on diagnosis and treatment of syndesmotic injury alone and in combination with ankle fractures through world literature review. Material and methods A systematic literature search was undertaken using elibrary, PubMed, ResearchGate databases with articles dated 1990 and later. The search depth was 30 years. With preliminary information collected low-relevant articles were excluded. Meta-analysis studies, randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, cadaveric biomechanical studies were reviewed. Results Screws and suture buttons can be used to fix DTFS, and Volkmann, Shaput and Wagstaff fractures being transosseous injuries to DTFS can be repaired with osteosynthesis. Imaging evaluation of reduction can be produced with radiography, MSCT, MRI and arthroscopy. Partial injuries to the DTFS, if timely detected, can be treated conservatively with transition to surgical stabilization if signs of instability persist. Discussion Conventional radiography has very low diagnostic value for DTFS injury. Bilateral MSCT is recommended for assessment of a syndesmotic injury and MRI of the ankle joint is practical for partial isolated injuries. Concomitant injuries of the fibular notch of the tibia are recommended to address first prior to transsyndesmotic fixation. Open reduction of displaced DTFS is accompanied by a lower risk of fibular malposition and malreduction. Suture buttons are practical for transsyndesmotic fixation. Removal of positional screws does not affect the functional result of treatment. More stable osteosynthesis would be needed for DTFS injury in neuropathy.