What is tibiofibular syndesmosis?

The tibiofibular syndesmosis is a fibrous joint essential for ankle stability, whence the classical comparison with a mortise. Syndesmosis lesions are quite frequent in ankle trauma. This is a key element in ankle stability and lesions may cause pain or instability and, in the longer term, osteoarthritis.

Where is the tibiofibular syndesmosis located?

The tibiofibular syndesmosis is a complex fibrous joint composed of multiple ligaments and a broad fibrous interosseous membrane that spans between the tibia and fibula throughout the length of both bones.

What is the purpose of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis?

A syndesmosis is defined as a fibrous joint in which two adjacent bones are linked by a strong membrane or ligaments. For distal tibiofibular syndesmosis, its chief function is to maintain the congruency of the tibiotalar interface under physiologic axial loads.

What is the inferior tibiofibular ligament?

The anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament (AITFL) is part of the lateral collateral ligament complex of the ankle.

How long does it take for syndesmosis to heal?

How long does syndesmosis take to heal? Syndesmosis injuries generally involve a period of immobilisation for 4-6 weeks depending on severity. (Yes that means a moon boot!) Following this we allow a further 6-12 weeks for a full recovery.

What is a syndesmosis?

A syndesmosis is defined as a fibrous joint in which two adjacent bones are linked by a strong membrane or ligaments. This definition also applies for the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis, which is a syndesmotic joint formed by two bones and four ligaments.

What is the function of the syndesmosis?

What is a syndesmosis injury?

A syndesmotic ankle sprain is an injury to one or more of the ligaments comprising the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis; it is often referred to as a “high ankle sprain.” Compared with the more common lateral ankle sprain, the high ankle sprain causes pain more proximally, just above the ankle joint, and is associated …

How long does syndesmosis take to heal?

How do you treat syndesmosis injury?

Acute instability of the syndesmosis must be treated surgically by placing a syndesmotic screw or a suture button. Sometimes AITFL repair is all that is needed.

What is the syndesmosis ligament?

What is the syndesmosis ligament? The syndesmosis is a fibrous joint held together by ligaments. It’s located near the ankle joint, between the tibia, or shinbone, and the distal fibula, or outside leg bone. That’s why it’s also called the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis.

Does syndesmosis need surgery?

If there is an unstable joint, surgery is typically necessary to provide stability. If the syndesmosis is found to be stable, it usually will not require surgical management. If you have other medical conditions that make surgery too risky for your health, your surgeon may recommend non-surgical treatment.

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