Abstract
Previous studies have demonstrated the need for accurate reduction of ankle syndesmosis.
Measurement of syndesmosis is difficult on plain radiographs. A computed tomography
(CT) scan allows better visualisation of the transverse relationship between the fibula
and incisura fibularis. The difference (‘G’ a term we coined for ease of description) between the fibula
and the anterior and posterior facets of the incisura fibularis was compared between normal and injured ankles following syndesmotic fixation in
19 patients. The mean diastasis (MD) was also calculated, representing the average
measurement between the fibula and the anterior and posterior incisura. When compared
with the normal side, eight out of 19 (42%) cases were found to have a residual diastasis
even after fixation across the syndesmosis. However, if a standard value of G (2 mm) was used for the injured leg only, all of the 19 cases would have abnormal values
of ‘G’ following reduction. 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 2 mm as the normal limit cannot be applied universally, as apparent from the data presented
in this study.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
March 15,
2011
Identification
Copyright
© 2011 Elsevier Ltd. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
