Titanium cable isotonic annular fixation system for the treatment of distal tibiofibular syndesmosis injury.

Distal tibiofibular syndesmosis injury (DTS) occurs frequently with ankle sprains. Current treatments pose several limitations including causing soft tissue irritation, bringing damage to fixation secondary to weight-bearing, and requiring follow-up surgeries. Here, we investigated the clinical effects of a new technique, titanium cable isotonic annular fixation, for the treatment of DTS injury. From January 2015 to June 2017, 36 patients with ankle fractures and DTS injuries had their fractures repaired with the titanium cable isotonic annular fixation system. Recovery was scored by the AOFAS ankle function score system. We also assessed the differences in ankle motion between healthy and operative joints, and recorded the complications. All patients recovered from surgery without any serious complications. We followed all the cases for 18-25 months with an average follow-up of 21.26±3.23 months. 12 months after the operation, X-ray images showed that the titanium cables were fixed in the correct position without any fracture or loosening. Additionally, no degeneration or traumatic arthritis was observed in the ankle joint. There were no incision or bone mineral density changes between the titanium fix and tibiofibular bones. Nearly all patients recovered well except for three who developed inflammation and infection. However, these three patients recovered following 1 week of intravenous antibiotics and local radiofrequency physiotherapy. According to the AOFAS scoring system, all patients achieved satisfactory recovery 12 months post operation. Our titanium cable isotonic annular fixation system has both the advantages of elastic and rigid fixations. It can restore isotonic strength of the distal tibiofibular joint, and its biomechanical performance approaches normal physiological function. After the operation, patients tolerated weight-bearing exercise and recovered joint mobility. Finally, there is no need to remove the distal tibiofibular implant after 12 weeks. Overall, it is a highly effective surgical method to treat DTS injury.