Tri-ligamentous Reconstruction of the Distal Tibiofibular Syndesmosis: A Minimally Invasive Approach

Abstract 

The distal tibiofibular syndesmosis provides stability to the ankle mortise, and it is composed of the anterior inferior tibiofibular, posterior inferior tibiofibular, interosseous, and inferior transverse tibiofibular ligaments and the interosseous membrane. Subacute or chronic syndesmosis injuries can present after missed diagnosis in the acute period or after failed or inadequate nonoperative management. It can result in chronic ankle pain and progressive degeneration of the ankle. Reconstructive options for chronic syndesmosis disruption include arthroscopic debridement and screw fixation, arthrodesis of the syndesmosis, advancement of the anterior tibiofibular ligament, reconstruction of the interosseous and anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament, or tri-ligamentous reconstruction of the syndesmosis. We describe a minimally invasive technique of nearly anatomical reconstruction of the 3 syndesmotic ligaments. The syndesmosis is debrided and reduced under arthroscopic guidance and anatomical reduction of the syndesmosis can be achieved. Although we describe this technique for surgeons to consider, we recognize that a thorough clinical review of the method, complete with objective and subjective clinical outcome measurements, is warranted before widespread use of the technique.

Keywords: ankle, arthroscopy, injury, ligament, syndesmosis, tendon, reconstructive surgery