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OrthoVellum

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Foot & Ankle
intermediate
X-Type

Ankle Syndesmosis Injury Management

Ankle Ligaments

A 22-year-old rugby player sustains an external rotation injury to his right ankle during a tackle. He has significant pain over the anterolateral ankle proximal to the lateral malleolus. Examination reveals tenderness along the interosseous membrane extending proximally, positive squeeze test, and positive external rotation stress test. Radiographs show no fracture but widening of the medial clear space on stress views. The tibiofibular clear space is 7mm on the mortise view. Regarding syndesmotic injuries:

Mark each as TRUE or FALSE

A

The syndesmosis complex comprises the anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament (AITFL), posterior inf...

B

Syndesmotic injuries occur with external rotation and hyperdorsiflexion; the classic "high ankle spr...

C

The AITFL is the strongest syndesmotic ligament; internal rotation is the typical mechanism; the squ...

D

Radiographic assessment includes tibiofibular clear space (normal less than 6mm), tibiofibular overl...

E

Treatment of unstable injuries includes reduction and fixation; options include syndesmotic screws (...

Answer the questions to see explanations

Click T (True) or F (False) for each option