Cadaveric Analysis of the Distal Tibiofibular Syndesmosis.

Abstract

Unstable ankle fractures with syndesmotic injuries commonly occur and can result in significant morbidity. Although the need for an anatomic reduction is clear, there is still debate surrounding the optimal operative treatment. Recent literature shows an increasing interest in anatomic ligament repair or reconstruction in the acute and chronic syndesmosis injury. Despite this trend, there is insufficient literature detailing anatomy of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis. In the literature that does exist, there is controversy regarding the ligamentous anatomy of the syndesmosis. None of the current literature describes an anatomic constant that may be used as an intraoperative reference for anatomic ligament reconstructions.