Ankle Trauma
A 28-year-old rugby player presents after an external rotation injury to his ankle during a tackle. He has significant pain above the ankle joint rather than over the malleoli. Examination reveals tenderness over the anterior tibiofibular area, a positive squeeze test, and a positive external rotation stress test. Radiographs show subtle widening of the tibiofibular clear space. There is no fracture visible. Regarding ankle syndesmosis injuries:
Mark each as TRUE or FALSE
The syndesmosis complex comprises four ligaments: anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament (AITFL), p...
External rotation is the primary injury mechanism for syndesmosis injury ("high ankle sprain"); clin...
The syndesmosis consists of two ligaments; the PITFL is weakest and tears first; inversion is the pr...
Stable syndesmosis injuries (no diastasis on stress views) can be treated conservatively with protec...
Syndesmotic screws may be removed at 8-12 weeks or left in situ (some evidence supports leaving); ma...
Answer the questions to see explanations
Click T (True) or F (False) for each option