Comparison of tricortical screw fixation versus a modified suture construct for fixation of ankle syndesmosis injury: a biomechanical study.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the viability of using a modified flexible suture implant instead of a tricortical screw for fixation of ankle syndesmosis failures.


METHODS
Randomized biomechanical study.


METHODS
Orthopaedic Research Laboratories at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.


METHODS
Formalin-preserved cadaveric legs were used in pairs. Two holes, 2.5 millimeters in diameter and 7.0 to 10.0 millimeters apart horizontally, were drilled through the fibula and tibia 2.0 centimeters above the tibial plafond. Two strands of Number 5 suture were passed through the holes and tied. Similarly, a 3.5-millimeter tricortical screw was placed on the opposite leg of each pair at 2.0 centimeters. The ankles were tested to failure. This process was repeated at 5.0 centimeters above the tibial plafond.


METHODS
Maximum load and displacement at failure of the suture construct at 2.0 centimeters and at 5.0 centimeters were compared with a tricortical screw at 2.0 centimeters and at 5.0 centimeters.


RESULTS
There was no significant difference in strength or displacement between the flexible suture implant and the tricortical screw at either 2.0 centimeters or 5.0 centimeters. The fixations at 5.0 centimeters had significantly increased holding strength over fixations at 2.0 centimeters, and the fixations had significantly greater displacement at 2.0 centimeters than at 5.0 centimeters.


CONCLUSIONS
This study confirms that flexible syndesmosis repair is a viable option for internal fixation of ankle mortise instability due to syndesmosis rupture.
Miller
R S
RS
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 27599-7055, USA.
Weinhold
P S
PS
Dahners
L E
LE
D016512:Ankle Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D001863:Bone Screws; D002102:Cadaver; D006801:Humans; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000601:surgery*; D008023:Ligaments, Articular / Q000293:injuries*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012421:Rupture; D013536:Suture Techniques; D016896:Treatment Outcome