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Foot & Ankle
intermediate
X-Type

Syndesmosis Fixation Options

Ankle Injuries

A 28-year-old athlete sustains a Weber C ankle fracture with syndesmotic instability. After anatomic reduction and fixation of the fibula, the syndesmosis remains unstable on intraoperative stress testing. The surgeon must decide on the optimal method of syndesmotic stabilization, weighing the options of traditional screws versus newer suture-button devices. Regarding syndesmosis fixation options:

Mark each as TRUE or FALSE

A

Syndesmotic screws (trans-syndesmotic screws) are the traditional method of fixation; they are typic...

B

Suture-button devices (flexible fixation) have gained popularity as they allow more physiological mo...

C

Syndesmotic screws must always be removed to allow ankle motion; suture-buttons provide no stability...

D

Proper syndesmotic reduction is the most important factor regardless of fixation method; the fibula ...

E

Current evidence suggests equivalent functional outcomes between screws and suture-buttons; suture-b...

Answer the questions to see explanations

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