title: The use of TightRope fixation for ankle syndesmosis injuries: our experience.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Ten percentage of all ankle fractures sustain an associated syndesmotic injury. TightRope is a relatively new technique for syndesmosis fixation, characterized by a non-absorbable FibreWire held tight between two cortical metal buttons. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results obtained with the use of this device.
  
  
  METHODS
  From January 2011 to December 2015, 54 patients with ankle diastases were treated. Eighteen patients were excluded from the study. Fractures of the fibula or tibia requiring fixation were internally fixed using standard AO techniques. Preoperative and the most recent postoperative ankle radiographs were reassessed for measurements of the tibiofibular clear space (TFCS), medial clear space (MCS) and tibiofibular overlap (TFO). Clinical outcomes were assessed at the time of follow-up using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, a self-administered Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI) score and patients satisfaction.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean follow-up was 28, 64 months. Mean values for MCS, TFCS and TFO were 1.51-1.53 and 0.25 cm, respectively. The mean AOFAS score was 93.11, and the mean FADI score was 130.11. Twenty-nine (80.6 %) patients reported their outcome as excellent or very good.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  TightRope technique can achieve flexible fixation of the syndesmosis and permit full range of motion of the tibiofibular joint. Patients can start rehabilitation exercise at an early stage after operation. The results of this study indicate that TightRope fixation is a valid option for syndesmotic injuries.
authors: Department of Orthopaedic and Traumatology, Carlo Poma Hospital, Strada Lago Paiolo 10, 46100, Mantova, Italy. bondimanuel@gmail.com.
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Bondi
authors: Department of Orthopaedic and Traumatology, Carlo Poma Hospital, Strada Lago Paiolo 10, 46100, Mantova, Italy.
authors: N
authors: N
authors: Rossi
authors: Department of Orthopaedic and Traumatology, Carlo Poma Hospital, Strada Lago Paiolo 10, 46100, Mantova, Italy.
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Pizzoli
authors: Department of Orthopaedic and Traumatology, Carlo Poma Hospital, Strada Lago Paiolo 10, 46100, Mantova, Italy.
authors: L
authors: L
authors: Renzi Brivio
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D064386:Ankle Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D016512:Ankle Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000150:complications*; D001863:Bone Screws; D005260:Female; D005360:Fibula / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000379:methods; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013977:Tibia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Ankle fracture; Ankle injury; Sports injury; Syndesmosis; TightRope