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Beeler S, Ongini E, Hochreiter B, Sutter R, Viehöfer A, Wirth S, Calek AK. Bilateral External Torque CT Reliably Detects Syndesmotic Lesions in an Experimental Cadaveric Study. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2024; 106:542-552. [PMID: 38260963 DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.23.00412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND If tibiofibular syndesmotic injury is undetected, chronic instability may lead to persistent pain and osteoarthritis. So far, no reliable diagnostic method has been available. The primary objectives of this study were to determine whether defined lesions of the syndesmosis can be correlated with specific tibiofibular joint displacements caused by external rotational torque and to compare the performance of bilateral external torque computed tomography (BET-CT) and arthroscopy. Secondary objectives included an evaluation of the reliability of CT measurements and the suitability of the healthy contralateral ankle as a reference. METHODS Seven pairs of healthy, cadaveric lower legs were tested and assigned to 2 groups: (1) supination-external rotation (SER) and (2) pronation-external rotation (PER). In the intact state and after each surgical step, an ankle arthroscopy and 3 CT scans were performed. During the scans, the specimens were placed in an external torque device with 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 Nm of torque applied. RESULTS The arthroscopic and CT parameters showed significant correlations in all pairwise comparisons. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses yielded the best prediction of syndesmotic instability with the anterior tibiofibular distance on CT, with a sensitivity of 84.1% and a specificity of 95.2% (area under the curve [AUC], 94.8%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.916 to 0.979; p < 0.0001) and with the middle tibiofibular distance on arthroscopy, with a sensitivity of 76.2% and specificity of 92.3% (AUC, 91.2%; 95% CI, 0.837 to 0.987; p < 0.0001). Higher torque amounts increased the rate of true-positive results. CONCLUSIONS BET-CT reliably detects experimental syndesmotic rotational instability, compared with the healthy side, with greater sensitivity and similar specificity compared with the arthroscopic lateral hook test. Translation of these experimental findings to clinical practice remains to be established. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Diagnostic Level III . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvan Beeler
- Department of Orthopedics, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Esteban Ongini
- Institute of Biomechanics, Balgrist Campus, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Bettina Hochreiter
- Department of Orthopedics, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Reto Sutter
- Department of Radiology, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Arnd Viehöfer
- Department of Orthopedics, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Stephan Wirth
- Department of Orthopedics, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Anna-Katharina Calek
- Department of Orthopedics, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Heitz PH, Miron MC, Beauséjour M, Hupin M, DiLiddo L, Jourdain N, Nault ML. Ultrasound Assessment of Ankle Syndesmotic Injuries in a Pediatric Population. Clin J Sport Med 2024; 34:83-90. [PMID: 37882722 DOI: 10.1097/jsm.0000000000001193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine sensitivity and specificity for anterior-inferior tibiofibular ligament (AiTFL) integrity and tibiofibular clear-space (TFCS) cut-off points for dynamic evaluation using ultrasound (US) in a pediatric population. DESIGN Prospective cohort study. SETTING Tertiary care university-affiliated pediatric hospital patients between the ages of 12 and 18 sustaining acute ankle trauma with syndesmotic injury. INTERVENTIONS Participants were assigned to the syndesmotic injury protocol that included a standardized MRI and US. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Anterior-inferior tibiofibular ligament integrity for static assessment and TFCS measurements for dynamic assessment on US. For dynamic assessment, the distance between the distal tibia and fibula was first measured in neutral position and then in external rotation for each ankle. The US results on AiTFL integrity were compared with MRI, considered as our gold standard. Optimal cut-off points of TFCS values were determined with receiver operating characteristics curve analysis. RESULTS Twenty-six participants were included. Mean age was 14.8 years (SD = 1.3 years). Sensitivity and specificity for AiTFL integrity were 79% and 100%, respectively (4 false negatives on partial tears). For dynamic assessment, the cut-off points for the differences in tibiofibular distance between the 2 ankles in 1) neutral position (TFCS N I-U ) and 2) external rotation (TFCS ER I-U ) were 0.2 mm (sensitivity = 83% and specificity = 80%) and 0.1 mm (sensitivity = 83% and specificity = 80%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS Static US could be used in a triage context as a diagnostic tool for AiTFL integrity in a pediatric population as it shows good sensitivity and excellent specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre-Henri Heitz
- Department of Surgery, CHU Sainte-Justine, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Surgery, Université de Montréal, Edouard-Montpetit, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Marie-Claude Miron
- Department of Radiology, CHU Sainte-Justine, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Radiology, Université de Montréal, Edouard-Montpetit, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Marie Beauséjour
- Department of Surgery, CHU Sainte-Justine, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Surgery, Université de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke-Campus Longueuil, Longueuil, QC, Canada
| | - Mathilde Hupin
- Department of Surgery, CHU Sainte-Justine, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Surgery, Université de Montréal, Edouard-Montpetit, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Lydia DiLiddo
- Department of Pediatrics, CHU Sainte-Justine, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Université de Montréal, Edouard-Montpetit, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Marie-Lyne Nault
- Department of Surgery, CHU Sainte-Justine, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Surgery, Université de Montréal, Edouard-Montpetit, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Surgery, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Barbachan Mansur NS, Godoy-Santos AL, Schepers T. High-Ankle Sprain and Syndesmotic Instability: How Far Have We Come with Diagnosis and Treatment? Foot Ankle Clin 2023; 28:369-403. [PMID: 37137630 DOI: 10.1016/j.fcl.2023.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Probably one of the most controversial subjects in the orthopedic field is the distal tibiofibular articulation. Even though its most primary knowledge can be a matter of enormous debate, it is in the diagnosis and treatment most of the disagreements reign. Distinguishing between injury and instability remains challenging as well as an optimal clinical decision regarding surgical intervention. The last years presented technology and that was able to bring body to an already well-developed scientifical rationale. In this review article, we aim to demonstrate the current data behind syndesmotic instability in the ligament scenario, whereas using few fracture concepts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nacime Salomao Barbachan Mansur
- Escola Paulista de Medicina - Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Brazil; University of Iowa, Carver College of Medicine, USA.
| | | | - Tim Schepers
- Trauma Unit, Department of Surgery, Amsterdam UMC Location J1A-214 Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Abstract
The distal tibiofibular syndesmosis (DTFS) is more frequently injured than previously thought. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment is essential to avoid long term complications like chronic instability, early osteoarthritis and residual pain. Management of these injuries require a complete understanding of the anatomy of DTFS, and the role played by the ligaments stabilizing the DTFS and ankle. High index of suspicion, appreciating the areas of focal tenderness and utilizing the provocative maneuvers help in early diagnosis. In pure ligamentous injuries radiographs with stress of weight bearing help to detect subtle instability. If these images are inconclusive, then further imaging with MRI, CT scan, stress examination under anesthesia, and arthroscopic examination facilitate diagnosis. An injury to syndesmosis frequently accompanies rotational fractures and all ankle fractures need to be stressed intra-operatively under fluoroscopy after fixation of the osseous components to detect syndesmotic instability. Non-operative treatment is appropriate for stable injuries. Unstable injuries should be treated operatively. Anatomic reduction of the syndesmosis is critical, and currently both trans-syndesmotic screws and suture button fixation are commonly used for syndesmotic stabilization. Chronic syndesmotic instability (CSI) requires debridement of syndesmosis, restoration of ankle mortise with or without syndesmotic stabilization. Arthrodesis of ankle is used a last resort in the presence of significant ankle arthritis. This article reviews anatomy and biomechanics of the syndesmosis, the mechanism of pure ligamentous injury and injury associated with ankle fractures, clinical, radiological and arthroscopic diagnosis and surgical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajeev Vohra
- Department of Foot & Ankle Surgery, Amandeep Hospital, Amritsar, India
| | - Avtar Singh
- Department of Foot & Ankle Surgery, Amandeep Hospital, Amritsar, India
| | - Babaji Thorat
- Department of Foot & Ankle Surgery, Amandeep Hospital, Amritsar, India
| | - Dharmesh Patel
- Department of Foot & Ankle Surgery, Amandeep Hospital, Amritsar, India
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Arthroscopic characterization of syndesmotic instability in the coronal plane: Exactly what measurement matters? Injury 2021; 52:1964-1970. [PMID: 33883076 DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2021.04.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although ankle arthroscopy is increasingly used to diagnose syndesmotic instability, precisely where in the incisura one should measure potential changes in tibiofibular space or how much tibiofibular space is indicative of instability, however, remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine where within the incisura one should assess coronal plane syndesmotic instability and what degree of tibiofibular space correlates with instability in purely ligamentous syndesmotic injuries under condition of lateral hook stress test (LHT) assessment. METHODS Ankle arthroscopy was performed on 22 cadaveric specimens, first with intact ankle ligaments and then after sequential sectioning of the syndesmotic and deltoid ligaments. At each step, a 100N lateral hook test was applied through a lateral incision 5 cm proximal to the ankle joint and the coronal plane tibiofibular space in the stressed and unstressed states were measured at both anterior and posterior third of the distal tibiofibular joint, using calibrated probes ranging from 0.1 to 6.0 mm, in 0.1 mm of increments. The anterior and posterior points of measurements were defined as the junction between the anterior and middle third, and junction between posterior and middle third of the incisura, respectively. RESULTS Anterior third tibiofibular space measurements did not correlate significantly with the degree of syndesmotic instability after transection of the ligaments, neither before nor after applying LHT at all the three groups of different sequences of ligament transection (P range 0.085-0.237). In contrast, posterior third tibiofibular space measurements correlated significantly with the degree of syndesmotic instability after transection of the ligaments, both with and without applying stress in all the groups of different ligament transection (P range <0.001-0.015). Stressed tibiofibular space measurements of the posterior third showed higher sensitivity and specificity when compared to the stressed anterior third measurements. Using 2.7 mm as a cut off for posterior third stressed measurements has both sensitivity and specificity about 70 %. CONCLUSION Syndesmotic ligament injury results in coronal plane instability of the distal tibiofibular articulation that is readily identified arthroscopically with LHT when measured in the posterior third of the incisura. CLINICAL RELEVANCE When applying LHT, tibiofibular space measurement for coronal plane instability along the anterior third of the incisura is less sensitive for identifying syndesmotic instability and may miss this diagnosis especially when subtle.
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Spennacchio P, Seil R, Gathen M, Cucchi D. Diagnosing instability of ligamentous syndesmotic injuries: A biomechanical perspective. Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon) 2021; 84:105312. [PMID: 33756400 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2021.105312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND High ankle sprains are insidious injuries associated with a long recovery period, functional impairment and long-term sequelae if mistreated. This systematic review investigates the biomechanical knowledge on the kinematic consequences of sequential syndesmotic ligamentous injuries, aiming to furnish an updated and objective contribution for the critical appraisal and further elaboration of current diagnostic algorithms for high ankle sprains. METHODS A systematic review was performed to identify human biomechanical studies evaluating the stabilizing role of the syndesmotic ligaments. Special attention was paid to identify the smallest lesion within the progressive simulated injuries able to provoke statistically significant changes of the syndesmotic kinematic on the specimen, the mechanical solicitation that provoked it, and the measurement methodology. FINDINGS Fourteen studies were included. In eight articles already an isolated injury to the anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament provoked significant changes of the syndesmotic kinematic, which was always depicted under an external rotation torque. In three articles an isolated deltoid ligament injury provoked significant changes of the syndesmotic kinematic. Four articles described a direct measure of the bony movements, whereas seven collected data through conventional radiography or CT-scan imaging and three via a 3D motion analysis tracking system. INTERPRETATION An isolated lesion of the anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament can provoke significant kinematic modifications in ex vivo syndesmotic models and may be responsible of subtle patterns of dynamic instability, regardless of further syndesmotic ligamentous injuries. The data observed support efforts to define reliable CT imaging parameters to improve non-invasive diagnostic of subtle forms of syndesmotic instability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Spennacchio
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg-Clinique d'Eich, Luxembourg, Luxembourg.
| | - Romain Seil
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg-Clinique d'Eich, Luxembourg, Luxembourg; Sports Medicine Research Laboratory, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg.
| | - Martin Gathen
- Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, Universitätsklinikum Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany.
| | - Davide Cucchi
- Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, Universitätsklinikum Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany.
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Schlickewei C, Krähenbühl N, Dekeyser GJ, Mills M, Priemel M, Rammelt S, Frosch KH, Barg A. [Unstable injuries of the deltoid ligament complex in ankle fractures : How to diagnose, how to treat?]. Unfallchirurg 2021; 124:190-199. [PMID: 33616680 DOI: 10.1007/s00113-021-00970-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Unstable injuries of the deltoid ligament complex can have a substantial negative effect on the prognosis and treatment of ankle injuries. Lesions of the deltoid ligament are often overlooked at the initial presentation, both as isolated ruptures and in combination with more complex injuries of the ankle. Neglected unstable injuries of medial ankle ligaments may result in chronic instability, especially following correct treatment of fractures and lateral ligament injuries. These are accompanied by reduced ankle mobility, persisting pain, reduced load bearing and osteoarthritis. Despite the possible subsequent damage, the need for surgical repair of the deltoid ligament in patients with ankle fractures is controversially discussed. Although in most cases of ligament injuries of the upper ankle joint conservative treatment leads to very good results, there is increased interest in acute surgical treatment particularly for unstable injuries in order to avoid secondary instability and the associated sequelae. When surgical treatment should be given priority over conservative treatment has not yet been sufficiently clarified. This article gives an overview of the diagnosis and treatment of injuries of the deltoid ligament complex in patients with ankle fractures based on the current literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carsten Schlickewei
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Unfallchirurgie und Orthopädie, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Deutschland
| | | | | | - Megan Mills
- Radiologische Universitätsklinik, Universität von Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Matthias Priemel
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Unfallchirurgie und Orthopädie, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Deutschland
| | - Stefan Rammelt
- UniversitätsCentrum für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden, Deutschland
| | - Karl-Heinz Frosch
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Unfallchirurgie und Orthopädie, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Deutschland
| | - Alexej Barg
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Unfallchirurgie und Orthopädie, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Deutschland. .,Orthopädische Universitätsklinik, Universität von Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
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Jayatilaka MLT, Philpott MDG, Fisher A, Fisher L, Molloy A, Mason L. Anatomy of the Insertion of the Posterior Inferior Tibiofibular Ligament and the Posterior Malleolar Fracture. Foot Ankle Int 2019; 40:1319-1324. [PMID: 31390895 DOI: 10.1177/1071100719865896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our aim in this study was to identify the extent of the posterior inferior tibiofibular ligament (PITFL) insertion on the posterior tibia and its relation to intra-articular posterior malleolar fractures. METHODS Careful dissection was undertaken on 10 cadaveric lower limbs to identify the ligamentous structures on the posterior aspect of the ankle. The ligamentous anatomy was further compared with our ankle fracture database, specifically posterior malleolar fracture patterns, demonstrating a rotational pilon etiology (Mason and Molloy type 2A and B). Computed tomography imaging was used to measure the dimensions of the fracture fragments. RESULTS The superficial PITFL was found to have a transverse component and an oblique component. The average size of the tibial insertion was 54.9 mm (95% CI, 51.8, 58.0) from joint line and 47.1 mm (95% CI, 43.0, 51.2) transverse. From our database of ankle fractures involving the posterior malleolus, 80 Mason and Molloy type 2 fractures were identified for analysis. Of these, 33 were type 2A and 47 were type 2B. The posterolateral fragments had an average size of 26.3 mm (95% CI, 25.0, 27.7) height and 22.1 mm (95% CI, 21.1, 23.1) width. The posteromedial fragments had an average size of 22.0 (95% CI, 18.9, 25.1) height and 19.8 (95% CI, 17.5, 22.0) width. CONCLUSION The superficial PITFL insertion on the tibia is broad. In comparison with the average size of the posterior malleolar fragments, the PITFL insertion is significantly larger. Therefore, for a posterior malleolar fracture to cause posterior syndesmotic instability, a ligamentous injury must also occur. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Posterior syndesmotic instability results from injury to the PITFL. It has been widely reported that a posterior malleolar fracture will also give rise to posterior syndesmotic instability due to the insertion of the deep PITFL on the posterior tibia. On the contrary, in this paper, we have shown that the superficial PITFL insertion on the tibia is very large, much greater than the average size of the posterior malleolar fragments. Therefore, for a posterior malleolar fracture to cause posterior syndesmotic instability, a ligamentous injury will also have to occur.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Andrew Fisher
- Human Anatomy and Resource Centre, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Lauren Fisher
- Human Anatomy and Resource Centre, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Molloy
- Aintree University Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom.,Human Anatomy and Resource Centre, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Lyndon Mason
- Aintree University Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom.,Human Anatomy and Resource Centre, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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