What is syndesmosis repair surgery?
Syndesmosis injury, often referred to as a high ankle sprain, affects the ligaments around the syndesmosis joint, the area above where the tibia and fibula bones meet. Syndemosis surgery uses screws and plates to correctly align and stabilize the joint so that the ligaments can heal properly.
Do you need surgery for syndesmosis?
Because of a disrupted, unstable syndesmosis, the tibia and fibula are not held together properly, which makes for a very unstable ankle joint that is prone to chronic disability and arthritis – if not repaired. Thus, in an ankle fracture with an unstable syndesmosis, surgery is typically recommended.
How do you fix syndesmosis?
When syndesmosis ligament injuries are purely avulsions, direct repair of the AITFL and the PITFL with its avulsed periosteal sleeve using suture anchors and other soft-tissue techniques to stabilize the syndesmosis have been described.
What is tightrope ankle surgery?
This technique is used to stabilize an ankle after injury. It can be used to repair a high ankle sprain, which damages the soft tissue structures between the tibia and fibula and causes these bones to separate. It can also be used to stabilize a fracture of the fibula.
How long after syndesmosis surgery can I walk?
After surgery, you may be immobilized in a splint for the first 10-14 days. You will typically be kept non-weightbearing for 6-8 weeks and then allowed to put weight on your foot in a cast or boot. Swelling persists for many months after this surgery. Stiffness can be problem and physical therapy often is necessary.
How soon can you walk after ankle ligament surgery?
Patients are generally able to walk normally twelve weeks after their surgery, and are also able to resume high impact sports activities. Many patients are also able to wear heeled shoes, but must be aware that wearing higher heels for long periods can cause damage to the feet.