Ankle syndesmosis: Anatomy, mechanisms of injuries, diagnosis and treatment

Abstract

Distal tibiofibular joint is responsible for the distal crucial anatomic structure responsible for the ankle joint stability. According to some authors syndesmosis injury occurs in 95% of the lateral ankle sprain during sport activity. Syndesmotic injuries often require twice as long to return to sport as compared to isolated lateral ligament sprains and can lead to prolonged pain and disability. Clinical tests and plain radiography have limited diagnostic capacity and often MRI imaging is necessary. The treatment of the acute isolated syndesmotic injury depends on the ankle stability. Today still, there is some doubt and disagreement regarding diagnostic criteria, classification, and treatment of syndesmotic injury.