Abstract
Introduction:
Failure to adequately treat an injury of the syndesmosis leads to poor functional outcomes and posttraumatic arthritis. Many techniques have been proposed to salvage chronic instability. We report on the largest series of chronic syndesmotic injuries to be managed by syndesmotic arthrodesis from Europe to date.
Aim:
To determine the radiographic and clinical outcomes for this technique at our institute.
Methods:
Patients were followed-up prospectively. Relevant radiological and clinical data were obtained from electronic and case note review. The AOFAS score was utilised.
Results:
A total of 6 patients were found. The average age was 33 years and the mean length of follow-up was 20 months.
Arthrodesis was radiologically successful in all cases. Mean pre-operative and post-operative AOFAS scores were 70 and 82 respectively. All patients had some persistent ankle pain. One third had radiological progression of ankle osteoarthritis. Complications consisted of one patient with scar sensitivity.
Conclusions:
This technique has a role in the salvage of chronic ankle syndesmotic instability. However patients must be counselled to the likelihood of ongoing symptoms.
