Ankle Syndesmosis Injuries ( High Ankle Sprain )
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Ankle Syndesmosis Injuries ( High ankle sprain ) Anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament Interosseous ligament Posterior inferior tibiofibular ligament What is the syndesmosis? In more subtle injuries a weightbearing CT scan The syndesmosis is the ligaments which stabilise or MRI may be required to confirm the the fibula and the tibia at the ankle joint. diagnosis. They consist of the • Anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament • Posterior inferior tibiofibular ligament • Interosseous ligament When these ligaments get injured or torn this can result in increased movement between the tibia and fibula causing them to separate. This can cause pain and if unrecognised can cause long term problems in the ankle joint How does it get injured? Often associated with a twisting injury to the ankle. Can be caused when the foot is forced upward It can be associated with a fracture of the fibula. What is the treatment? Treatment is dependent on the extent of the What are the symptoms? ligament injury Patients report pain in the ankle which is often If only 1 ligament is injured – usually this is the felt higher up above the joint. anterior ligament then physiotherapy and Pain persists after appropriate rehabilitation activity modification is sufficient from a simple ankle sprain. If 2 ligaments are injured – treatment is Swelling around the front and outside of the dependant on the patient’s symptoms but may ankle. involve a cast for 6 weeks. In some cases surgery may be required if symptoms are persistent. How is it diagnosed? If 3 ligaments are injured and there is no Diagnosis is made from the patients history and instability or widening a cast non weightbearing examination. for 6 weeks then physiotherapy may be Xrays can confirm if there is a separation sufficient. between the bones in more severe injuries. If there is any widening or instability surgery is recommended. What does surgery involve? What are the risks of the procedure? Surgery involves an ankle arthroscopy to inspect General risks of surgery the joint and syndesmosis, to remove any • Infection inflammation and scar tissue. • Wound healing problems The tibia and fibula are then stabilised with • Nerve injury and scar sensitivity either screws or a tightrope anchor device. • Incomplete symptom resolution • Blood clots to the leg • Anaesthetic problems Specific risks for syndesmosis surgery • Stiffness of the ankle due to scarring • Screws requiring removal at 3 months • Screw breakage This information is an overview of the management of syndesmosis injuries and is not all inclusive. What does the rehabilitation involve? If you have any questions regarding this please • 1 night in hospital. contact Mr. Curry’s rooms on (03)9928 6188. • 2 weeks of elevation and rest • Total of 6 weeks in a cast non weightbearing • Driving at 9 weeks • By 3 months back to most recreational activities • Swelling improves by 6- 9 months • 6-9 months for final result How long will I be off work? This is dependent upon your occupation • Seated job 2-3 weeks • Standing job 6-8 weeks • Heavy lifting job 10-12 weeks When can I drive? • Manual car o No driving for 9 weeks • Automatic car o Left foot no driving for 2 weeks o Right foot no driving for 9 weeks .