Background: Tightrope fixation is an emerging technique for syndesmotic fixation with promising results. However, our case series highlights the slippage of Tightrope buttons as a complication of suture button syndesmotic fixation of Weber C malleolar fractures using limited contact dynamic compression (LCDCP) plates.
Methods: We report a series of cases from our database in which slippage of the Tightrope button through the LCDCP holes in Weber C malleolar fractures was noted. We measured the medial clear space (MCS), tibiofibular clear space (TFCS), and distal tibiofibular overlap (DTFO) and computed the largest change in these measurements from the first postoperative follow-up radiographs. Patient records were reviewed for persistent symptoms that could be attributed to the loss of syndesmotic fixation and stability.
Results: Follow-up radiographs of 3 patients showed a slippage of the Tightrope button through the LCDCP holes. Two of the patients reported persistent ankle pain and swelling with prolonged activity. The mean increases in MCS and TFCS among these patients were 0.7 (±0.081) mm and 1.5 (±0.798) mm, respectively. The mean decrease in DTFO was 2.2 (±0.864) mm. We next highlight 3 patients with Weber C malleolar fractures who underwent suture button syndesmotic fixation using double-stacked one-third tubular plates instead of the LCDCP.
Conclusion: This case series reported Tightrope button slippage as an early complication of syndesmotic fixation of Weber C malleolar fractures. We propose the use of double-stacked one-third tubular plates instead of the LCDCP to avoid this complication.
Level of evidence: Level V, expert opinion.
Keywords: Tightrope; ankle fracture; internal fixation; postoperative complication; suture button; syndesmosis.