The aim of this study was to review the number of patients operated on for traumatic disruption of the pubic symphysis who developed radiological signs of movement of the anterior pelvic metalwork during the first post-operative year, and to determine whether this had clinical implications. A consecutive series of 49 patients undergoing internal fixation of a traumatic diastasis of the pubic symphysis were studied. All underwent anterior fixation of the diastasis, which was frequently combined with posterior pelvic fixation. The fractures were divided into groups using the Young and Burgess classification for pelvic ring fractures. The different combinations of anterior and posterior fixation adopted to stabilise the fractures and the type of movement of the metalwork which was observed were analysed and related to functional outcome during the first post-operative year. In 15 patients the radiographs showed movement of the anterior metalwork, with broken or mobile screws or plates, and in six there were signs of a recurrent diastasis. In this group, four patients required revision surgery; three with anterior fixation and one with removal of anterior pelvic metalwork; the remaining 11 functioned as well as the rest of the study group. We conclude that radiological signs of movement in the anterior pelvic metalwork, albeit common, are not in themselves an indication for revision surgery

We performed a retrospective study of the factors affecting the outcome of Weber type-C ankle fractures in 43 patients reviewed at two to nine years after injury. We determined the functional result in relation to the use of a diastasis screw, the accuracy of reduction, the presence of tibiotalar dislocation, and of injury to the medial side of the ankle by medial malleolar fracture or deltoid ligament rupture. We assessed the use of a diastasis screw as appropriate or inappropriate on the basis of an anatomical study performed by Boden et al (1989). The diastasis screw was used unnecessarily in 19 of the 31 patients so treated, but this did not appear to affect the final functional result. The worse functional results were in ankles dislocated at the initial injury, and in those with medial malleolar fractures as opposed to those with deltoid ligament ruptures. The best results were after accurate reduction of the fibula and the syndesmosis, and greater increase in the width of the syndesmosis was associated with a worse result. Our results suggest that an increase of more than 1.5 mm in syndesmosis width is unacceptable. We recommend that when the deltoid ligament is ruptured, a diastasis screw should be used if the fibular fracture is more than 3.5 cm above the top of the syndesmosis. When a medial malleolar fracture has been rigidly repaired a diastasis screw is required if the fibular fracture is more than 15 cm above the syndesmosis

Between October 2006 and September 2007, eight consecutive patients with syndesmotic diastasis of the ankle had Tight Rope suture –endobutton fixation. We present our early results following this fixation. There were 3 males and 5 females with a mean age of 42 years (range 21 – 67). All were followed up for a mean of 7 months. Five patients had right side involvement. Majority were twisting injuries. These patients were compared with a cohort group (10 patients) who had diastasis screw fixation for similar fractures during the same period. Results: The mean post operative Olerud & Molander ankle subjective score was 86 points. The tourniquet time was significantly less in endobutton group compared to the diastasis screw group(mean of 56 minutes vs. 72 minutes). There was some difference in time to mobilisation between the two groups (mean of 10 days). The endobutton group patients were able to return to work and leisure activities earlier (mean of 4 weeks) compared to the diastasis group. Range of motion was similar in both groups. There were fewer complications in both groups with superficial infection and stiffness being the most common. Both groups were satisfied with the fixation. Advantages of Tight rope fixation: The tourniquet time was reduced; there was no need for 2nd operation with its attendant risks. Earlier mobilisation was possible leading to early return to work and leisure activities. We recommend the use of this new suture endobutton fixation for ankle diastasis with promising early functional results. Further prospective studies are needed to evaluate this new type of fixation device

A 61-year-old woman was seen with diastasis of the symphysis pubis and insufficiency fractures of the wings of both ilia after irradiation for carcinoma of the cervix. The characteristics and treatment of these fractures are discussed

Flexible fixation techniques combined with anatomic (open) syndesmosis reduction have demonstrated improved functional outcomes and rates of malreduction. Suture-button devices allow physiologic motion of the syndesmosis without need for implant removal, which may lower the risk of recurrent syndesmotic diastasis. There is limited longer-term assessment of the maintenance of reduction between static and flexible syndesmotic fixation using bilateral ankle CT evaluation. This is an a priori planned subgroup analysis of a multi-centre, randomized clinical trial comparing static syndesmosis fixation (two 3.5 mm screws) with flexible fixation (single knotless Tightrope) for patients with AO- OTA 44-C injuries. Patients who completed bilateral ankle CT scans at 3- and 12-month follow-up were included. The primary outcome measure was syndesmotic malreduction based on bilateral ankle CT scans, using the uninjured, contralateral ankle as a control. Anterior (ASD), middle (MSD), and posterior (PSD) syndesmosis distance were calculated to measure syndesmosis reduction. Secondary outcomes included re-operation, adverse events and functional outcomes including the EQ5D, Olerud-Molander Ankle Score (OM), Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI), and Work Productivity Activity Impairment Questionnaire (WPAI). Paired samples t-tests were used to compare injured to control ankles (R, v 3.5.1). 42 patients (24 Group S, 18 Group T) were included. ASD for Group T was 5.22mm (95%CI 4.69–5.77) at 3 months compared to 4.26mm (95%CI 3.82–4.71; p=0.007) in controls and 5.38mm (95%CI 4.72–6.04) at 12 months compared to 4.44mm (95%CI 3.73–5.16; p=0.048) in controls. ASD for Group S was 4.63mm (95%CI 4.17– 5.10) at 3 months compared to 4.67mm (95%CI 4.24–5.10; p=0.61) in controls, but significantly increased to 5.73mm (95%CI 4.81–6.66) at 12 months compared to 4.65mm (95%CI 4.15–5.15; p=0.04) in controls. MSD results were similar; Group T had a larger MSD than control ankles at 3 months (p=0.03) and 12 months (p=0.01), while the MSD in Group S was not different at 3 months (p=0.80) but increased at 12 months (p=<0.01). 88% (21/24) of Group S had broken or removed screws by 12 months. Unplanned re-operation was 15% in Group S and 4% in Group T (p=0.02), with an overall re-operation rate of 30% in Group S. There was no significant difference between treatment groups for EQ-5D, OM, FADI or WPAI at 3- or 12-month follow-up. Tightrope fixation resulted in greater diastasis of the ASD and MSD compared to contralateral, uninjured ankles at 3- and 12-months post-fixation. Group S initially had syndesmotic reduction similar to control ankles, but between 3- and 12-months post-fixation, there was significantly increased syndesmosis diastasis compared to controls. The majority of Group S (88%) had either broken screws or scheduled screw removal, which may explain the increased tibio-fibular diastasis seen at 12-months

The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of placement of pelvic binders and to determine whether circumferential compression at the level of the greater trochanters is the best method of reducing a symphyseal diastasis. . Patients were identified by a retrospective review of all pelvic radiographs performed at a military hospital over a period of 30 months. We analysed any pelvic radiograph on which the buckle of the pelvic binder was clearly visible. The patients were divided into groups according to the position of the buckle in relation to the greater trochanters: high, trochanteric or low. Reduction of the symphyseal diastasis was measured in a subgroup of patients with an open-book fracture, which consisted of an injury to the symphysis and disruption of the posterior pelvic arch (AO/OTA 61-B/C). . We identified 172 radiographs with a visible pelvic binder. Five cases were excluded due to inadequate radiographs. In 83 (50%) the binder was positioned at the level of the greater trochanters. A high position was the most common site of inaccurate placement, occurring in 65 (39%). Seventeen patients were identified as a subgroup to assess the effect of the position of the binder on reduction of the diastasis. The mean gap was 2.8 times greater (mean difference 22 mm) in the high group compared with the trochanteric group (p < 0.01). Application of a pelvic binder above the level of the greater trochanters is common and is an inadequate method of reducing pelvic fractures and is likely to delay cardiovascular recovery in these seriously injured patients

Unstable pelvic injuries in young children with an immature pelvis have different modes of failure from those in adolescents and adults. We describe the pathoanatomy of unstable pelvic injuries in these children, and the incidence of associated avulsion of the iliac apophysis and fracture of the ipsilateral fifth lumbar transverse process (L5-TP). We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 33 children with Tile types B and C pelvic injuries admitted between 2007 and 2014; their mean age was 12.6 years (2 to 18) and 12 had an immature pelvis. Those with an immature pelvis commonly sustained symphyseal injuries anteriorly with diastasis, rather than the fractures of the pubic rami seen in adolescents. Posteriorly, transsacral fractures were more commonly encountered in mature children, whereas sacroiliac dislocations and fracture-dislocations were seen in both age groups. Avulsion of the iliac apophysis was identified in eight children, all of whom had an immature pelvis with an intact ipsilateral L5-TP. Young children with an immature pelvis are more susceptible to pubic symphysis and sacroiliac diastasis, whereas bony failures are more common in adolescents. Unstable pelvic injuries in young children are commonly associated with avulsion of the iliac apophysis, particularly with displaced SI joint dislocation and an intact ipsilateral L5-TP. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015; 97-B:696–704

Aims: We aimed to evaluate diagnostic contribution of MRI-Arthrography in syndesmosis disruption at ankle fractures. Methods: 18 patient who had Denis Weber type B-C fractures and are suspected to have syndesmotic diastasis considering tibiofibular clear space and tibiofibular overlap measurments in conventional radiographs are assesed with MRI followed by MRI-Arthrography. Because joint fluid was already seen in tibiofibular space in 3 patients at MRI, MRI-Arthrography was performed for the remaining 15 patients. If there was a changes between the results obtained from MRI and the results obtained after MRI-arthrography was tested istatistically. Convantional radiographs, MRIs and MRI-Arthrographies were analysed by 2 independent observers and interobserver concordance was assesed. Following intraoperative observation and asssesment syndesmotic diastasis was treated considering radiographic and MRI-arthrographic results. Results: In 15 cases who were regarded to have syndesmotic diastasis according to conventional radiographies, 8 (53.3%) diastasis were confirmed with only MRI and 12 (80%) diastasis were confirmed with MRI arthrography. Following intraoperative assesment 13 (86.6%) cases were regarded to have diastasis and surgical intervention was performed for diastasis repair. In 2 (13.3%) cases surgical intervention for diastasis repair was not performed. If there was a change in decission after MRI and after MRI-arthrography is analysed with chi-square test between related groups. There were statistically significiant difference (p< 0.05) in these means. There is interobserver concordance in conventional radiographic, MRI-arthrographic assesments and in assesments for ATIF and PTIF seperately inMRI.(p< 0.001). Conclusion: These results suggest that conventional radiography and MRI is not sufficient in assesing syndesmosis and MRI-arthrography is important for diagnosis

Background. Tightrope fixation has been suggested as an alternative to screw stabilisation for distal tibiofibular joint diastasis that provides stability but avoids the problems of rigid screws across the joint. Recent case series (of 6 and 16 patients) have however, reported soft tissue problems and infections in 19–33% of patients. This study aims to review treatment and complications of distal tibiofibular diastasis fixation in our unit with the use of Tightrope or diastasis screws. Methods. Retrospective review of all patients undergoing primary ankle fixation between May 2008 and October 2009. Exclusions included revision procedures, or ankle fixation prior to the current fracture. Those undergoing Tightrope or diastasis screw fixation were studied for any complications or further procedures. Clinical records and XRAYs were reviewed, family practitioners of the patients were contacted and any consultations for ankle related problems noted. Results. 187 primary ankle fixation procedures were performed. 35 ankles required stabilisation of the distal tibiofibular joint. In 12, this was achieved using the Tightrope and in 23, syndesmotic screws were used. There was no difference in the adequacy of reduction in the two groups. Of those stabilised with a Tightrope, 6 were Maisonneuve injuries, 5 Weber C and 1 Weber B. 1 was lost to followup. Of the remaining 11, none had complications attributable to the method of fixation documented in hospital or family practitioner records. One had a small stitch abscess that settled on removal of the suture material. None underwent subsequent procedures. Of 23 stabilised with screws, 4 were Weber B, 14 Weber C, 4 Maisonneuve and 1 syndesmotic injury associated with an isolated posterior malleolus fracture. In this group of patients with primary ankle fixation involving a diastasis screw there was 1 deep infection requiring removal of metalwork, 1 superficial wound infection after syndesmotic screw removal and 1 wound breakdown after syndesmotic screw removal. A patient developed superficial peroneal nerve palsy at operation and 1 syndesmotic fixation failed and underwent revision surgery. This patient subsequently developed infection and had revision to a hindfoot nail. 19 patients underwent screw removal. The 23 patients underwent 45 procedures (mean 1.96 procedures per patient). Conclusion. In a consecutive series of 187 ankle procedures, 12 had the distal tibiofibular joint stabilised with a Tightrope with no noted complications attributable to the implant and no additional procedures. 23 patients underwent diastasis screw fixation with 19 screw removal procedures and 5 complications of various severity, 2 of which were attributable to screw removal. Tightrope fixation has provided stable fixation of the injured syndesmosis in our unit and we have not to date encountered complications previously described in the literature

Purpose: Maisonneuve fracture is a rare variant of malleolar fractures. Standard surgical care is not well defined. We performed a retrospective analysis of operated patients to propose a system to determine adequate care as a function of the type of lesions observed. Material and methods: This retrospective analysis involved 20 patients who underwent surgery for Mai-sonneuve fracture between 1989 and 2000. Mean age was 42 years at surgery. Male gender predominated (16 patients). Seven patients (group 1) were treated without a syndesmodesis screw (osteosynthesis of the medial malleolus in six cases and suture of the medial collateral ligament in one). Thirteen patients (group 2) were treated via a first lateral approach and a syndesmodesis screw followed by a complementary medial approach in seven cases (two cases of medial malleolus osteocynthesis and five cases of medial collateral ligament suture). The Duquennoy functional score was determined at last follow-up. Quality of the reduction and presence of degenerative disease were determined on standard x-rays and computed tomographies. Results: Mean follow-up was four years nine months (range 1–10 years). No case of tibiotalar diastasis was observed at at least one year. Among the five patients reviewed clinically, outcome was excellent in four and fair in one. In group 2 (syndesmodesis), we found two cases of residual diastasis and two cases of tight syndesmosis at at least one year. Among the nine patients reviewed clinically, outcome was excellent in three and fair or poor in six. Discussion: This retrospective analysis collaborates the few data in the literature on Maisonneuve fractures. Ligament injury has varied greatly (with or without tear of the medial lateral ligament, more or less full thickness rupture of the interosseous membrane). In our experience, it is always difficult to reduce the diastasis via the primary lateral approach. Conversely, the primary medial approach has, after testing, enabled eliminating the syndesmodesis screw, with its recognised deleterious effects, in seven cases. Conclusion: Due to the diversity of the ligament injuries encountered in patients with Maisonneuve fractures, we have adopted the following surgical strategy. If there is diastasis, after confirmation of any injury to the medical compartment, medial approach to suture the medial collateral ligament or osteosynthesis of the medial malleolus: in the case of diastasis reduction, we advocate a syndesmodesis screw; if diastasis persists, a secondary lateral approach is useful to reduce the medial malleolar rotation and insert a syndesmodesis screw

Circumferential pelvic binders have been developed to allow rapid closure of the pelvic ring in unstable fracture patterns. Despite evidence to support the use of pelvic binders, there is a paucity of clinical data regarding the effect of binder position on symphyseal diastasis reduction. All patients presenting to the UK's military hospital in Afghanistan who survived and underwent pelvic radiography were reviewed. Cases were identified by retrospective assessment of all digital plain pelvic radiographs performed between January 2008 and July 2010. All radiographs and CT images were assessed to identify the presence of any pelvic fracture. Patients were grouped into three categories according to the vertical level of the buckle: superior to the trochanters (high), inferior to the trochanters (low) and at the level of the trochanters (troch). Diastasis reduction was measured in patients with Anterior-Posterior Compression (APC) grades II and III, or Combined Mechanical Injuries(CMI). Comparison of diastasis reduction between the high and troch groups was assessed by an independent samples Student's t-test. We identified 172 radiographs where the metallic springs in the buckle of a SAM Pelvic Sling. ™. were clearly visible. The binders were positioned at the trochanteric level in 50% of radiographs. A high position was the commonest site of inaccurate placement (37%). In the patients with fractures and an open diastasis, the mean pelvic diastasis gap was 2.75 times greater in the high group compared to the trochanteric level (mean difference 22 mm) (p < 0.01). Application of pelvic binders superior to the greater trochanters is commonplace and associated with inadequate fracture reduction, which is likely to delay cardiovascular recovery in these significantly injured casualties

Percutaneous fixation of syndesmosis is an accepted treatment of isolated Weber C fractures of the ankle. However, the status of syndesmosis after removal of the screws has never been studied to our knowledge. We studied eight patients for any residual diastasis and its clinical significance. CT scan was used to study the residual diastasis of syndesmosis after the removal of screws by comparing with the normal side. Patients were clinically assessed using Maryland and International Foot Scoring systems. The talocrural angles were measured and were compared with the normal side. Ten patients of isolated Weber C fractures were treated with percutaneous application of syndesmotic position scres from November ’97 to July ’99. Eight were available for follow up and two were lost to follow up. The average follow up was 427.9 days (14.26 months) with a range 167–744 days. There were 7 males and 3 females. The average age was 32.2 years (range 17–66). Left side was involved in 6 cases and right side in 4. The scres were removed after an average period of 78.3 days (11.8 weeks) with a range of 45–189 days. All patients were found to be having diastasis ranging from 1 mm to 3 mm with an average of 2.06 mm. The Maryland score ranged from 76 to 100 with an average of 90. The international score ranged from 78 to 100 with an average of 87.62. The diastasis roughly paralleled with the Foot scores. All patients who had percutaneous fixation of syndesmosis had residual diastasis following removal of the screws and this may be clinically significant

Introduction. Syndesmosis injuries are significant injuries and require anatomical reduction. However, stabilisation of these injuries with syndesmosis screws carries specific complications and many surgeons advocate a second operation to remove the screw. Primary Tightrope suture fixation has been shown to be an effective treatment for syndesmotic injuries and avoids the need for a second operation. Materials and Methods. A retrospective audit identified patients who were treated for syndesmosis injuries over a two year period. Theatre and clinic costs were obtained to compare the cost of syndesmosis fixation using diastasis screws with the estimated cost of primary syndesmosis fixation using a Tightrope suture. Results. 79 patients received diastasis screw fixation of syndesmosis injuries between January 2007 and January 2009. The mean number of follow up clinic appointments was 3.7 following initial surgery, and 2.2 following diastasis screw removal. Allowing for device, theatre time and clinic appointment costs, and an estimated average of 4 follow up appointments following Tightrope syndesmosis fixation, primary fixation with this device could a saving of 34 theatre slots, 68 outpatient clinic appointments, and £12,138 per year at our hospital. Discussion. Biomechanical studies have demonstrated a reduction in normal tibiotalar external rotation with the presence of a diastasis screw, and there are several published reports of complications when these screws are retained. The Tightrope suture provides reduction of the syndesmosis whilst allowing normal physiological movement at the distal tibiofibular joint and negates the need for a second operation to remove the implant. In addition there may be improvements in foot and ankle scores and a faster return to work when these devices are used compared with traditional screw fixation. Conclusion. In addition to the patient benefits, our audit suggests that there may be significant financial benefits associated with primary syndesmosis fixation with Tightrope sutures

The December 2014 Foot & Ankle Roundup360 looks at: Charcot feet, biomarkers and diabetes; weight bearing following Achilles tendon rupture; endobuttons and mal-reduced diastasis; evidence for stem cell therapies in osteochondral lesions of the talus; syndesmosis fixation in SER ankle fractures; and self-reporting for foot and ankle outcomes

Introduction A new technique of ankle syndesmosis fixation is proposed. Buttons are placed on both sides of the ankle, connected by a strong non-absorbable suture. The technique is simple and minimally invasive: a medial incision is not required. It resists diastasis whilst allowing physiological micromotion and does not require routine removal. Methods The technique was tested on a cadaver model of a Maisonneuve injury under increasing torque loads. Sixteen embalmed cadaver legs were randomised to receive suture-button fixation or four-cortical 4.5 mm syndesmosis screw fixation. A prospective clinical study involving 16 patients with Weber C fractures and syndesmosis diastasis is presented. They underwent suture-button fixation and the results were compared to 16 consecutive patients with syndesmosis screw fixation. Results In the cadaver study, both groups had similar rates of diastasis following torque loading. However, the suture-button did give a more consistent performance: standard deviations were significantly lower (p=0.001) than the screw group. In the clinical study, both groups were evenly matched as regards patient age, male: female ratio, and fracture patterns. Mean AOFAS ankle outcome scores at three months were significantly better in the suture-button group (91 versus 82, p=0.01). No suture-button patients required implant removal. They had a faster return to work compared to the screw group (three months versus five months). Axial CT scanning performed at three months post-op showed all implants to be intact with no loss of reduction. Conclusions Suture-button syndesmosis fixation is simple, safe, effective and physiological. It has shown improved outcomes and faster rehabilitation, without needing routine removal. It may become the treatment of choice in Weber C ankle fractures with a syndesmosis diastasis. In relation to the conduct of this study, one or more the authors have received, or are likely to receive direct material benefits

Dr J. Robert Close has been good enough to point out a misquotation from his article, "Some Applications of the Functional Anatomy of the Ankle Joint"(Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, 1956, 38-A, 761) in a later contribution by Mr M. G. H. Smith entitled "Inferior Tibio-fibular Diastasis Treated by Cross-screwing (Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, 1963, 45-B, 737). Dr Close, in referring to tibio-fibular diastasis and deltoid ligament rupture with low fractures of the fibula, wrote (p. 780), "Treating diastasis therefore frequently means treatment for the deltoid lesion. When one realises that a certain amount of spreading apart of the malleoli and a certain amount of rotation of the fibula about the tibia are anatomical requirements for normal ankle motion the necessity for later removal of such internal fixation becomes obvious. Screws thus placed have been known to break during normal walking after the fractures have healed." In his paper Mr M. G. H. Smith, making mention of tibio-fibular movement, wrote, "This small range of movement of the fibula at the inferior tibio-fibular joint caused Close (1956) to recommend that screws placed across the joint to maintain reduction of diastasis be removed before weight bearing and movement were commenced. He stated that screws had broken when left in position." Further abbreviation by editorial staff led to the statement actually printed p. (737): "Close (1956) recommended the removal of screws that had been placed across the joint to maintain reduction of diastasis before movement was allowed, because the screws broke when left in position." The inadvertent change in sense unfortunately escaped attention, and we very much regret that Mr Close was thus misquoted

Introduction. Previous studies have demonstrated the need of accurate reduction of ankle syndesmosis. Measurement of syndesmosis is difficult on plain radiographs. Recently, a difference of 2mm in anterior and posterior measurements at incisura of the inferior tibio-fibular joint on CT has been described as a measure of malreduction (depicted as ‘G’ for ease of description). Our practice changed towards routine post operative bilateral CT following syndesmosis fixation to assess the reduction and identify potential problems at an early stage. The aim of this primarily radiological study was to determine if the use of bilateral cross sectional imaging brings additional benefit above the more conventional practice of unilateral imaging. Method. Between 2007 and 2009, nineteen patients with ankle fractures involving the syndesmosis were included in the study group who had bilateral CT post operatively. The values of ‘G’ and the mean diastasis (MD) were calculated, representing the average measurement between the fibula and the anterior and posterior incisura. Results. When compared to the normal side, eight out of nineteen (42%) cases were found to have a residual diastasis even after fixation across the syndesmosis, However, if a standard value of G(2mm) was used for the injured leg only, all of the nineteen cases would have abnormal values of ‘G’ following reduction. The value of G for the injured side was poorly correlated with the mean inter-limb diastasis (MD, R=0.23). Discussion. Our study has clearly demonstrated the need for individualising the assessment method to guide surgeons and radiologists prior to revision surgery. A standard value of ‘G’ of 2mm as the normal limit cannot be applied universally as apparent from the data presented in this study

The purpose of this study was to describe the radiological characteristics of a previously unreported finding: posterior iliac offset at the sacroiliac joint and to assess its association with pelvic instability as measured by initial displacement and early implant loosening or failure. Radiographs from 42 consecutive patients with a mean age of 42 years (18 to 77; 38 men, four women) and mean follow-up of 38 months (3 to 96) with Anteroposterior Compression II injuries, were retrospectively reviewed. Standardised measurements were recorded for the extent of any diastasis of the pubic symphysis, widening of the sacroiliac joint, static vertical ramus offset and a novel measurement (posterior offset of the ilium at the sacroiliac joint identified on axial CT scan). Pelvic fractures with posterior iliac offset exhibited greater levels of initial displacement of the anterior pelvis (anterior sacroiliac widening, pubic symphysis diastasis and static vertical ramus offset, p < 0.001,0.034 and 0.028, respectively). Pelvic fractures with posterior ilium offset also demonstrated higher rates of implant loosening regardless of fixation method (p = 0.05). Posterior offset of the ilium was found to be a reliable and reproducible measurement with substantial inter-observer agreement (kappa = 0.70). Posterior offset of the ilium on axial CT scan is associated with greater levels of initial pelvic displacement and early implant loosening. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:1535–9

Introduction: Several methods for the management of syndesmosis disruption during ankle fracture fixation have been documented The Tightrope anchor is a relatively new technique consisting of two buttons and a strand of Fiber-wire which is looped twice though the buttons to create a pulley effect between the fibula and tibia, thereby stabilising the ankle syndesmosis. We have reviewed the outcomes in 38 patients treated with this technique. Materials and Methods: Data including nature of operation, complications and the need for subsequent surgery were recorded for all patients receiving a Tightrope from May 2006 to September 2008. Results: The mean patient age was 35 years, and 23 were male. 30/38 patients required no further surgery and had a good functional outcome. Two patients had prominent fibula plates removed but achieved good functional outcomes. For one patient a Tightrope was performed following diastasis screw failure: an improved but suboptimal outcome was achieved. A patient with fibromyalgia had a good range of movement but complained of discomfort. One patient with Poland sequence, who fell post operatively, needed tightrope removal and syndesmosis debridement resulting in a good but painful range of movement. Another patient developed a pulmonary embolus following surgery and prolonged swelling and discomfort limited her functional capacity. Two patients required tightrope removal and significant wound debridement following osteomyelitis of the fibula and tibia. Discussion and Conclusion: The Tightrope is an effective method of ankle syndesmosis repair, with a reduced need for subsequent diastasis related surgery (35/38) when compared to our diastasis screw method (100%). However, our significant rate of osteomyelitis is disturbing, warranting further investigation