Anterior Syndesmotic Augmentation Technique Using Nonabsorbable Suture-Tape for Acute and Chronic Syndesmotic Instability

Foot Ankle Int. 2020 Oct;41(10):1307-1315. doi: 10.1177/1071100720951172. Epub 2020 Sep 11.

Abstract

Syndesmotic instability is a source of significant pain and disability. Both subtle instability and gross diastasis, whether acute or chronic, require stabilization and may benefit from reconstruction with ligamentous augmentation. The use of nonabsorbable suture-tape has emerged as a promising operative strategy, allowing surgeons to anatomically reconstruct the syndesmosis, in particular the anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament. The current work provides a detailed description of the technique and preliminary results of a patient cohort treated using nonabsorbable suture-tape for syndesmotic augmentation.Level of Evidence: Level V, expert opinion.

Keywords: instability; suture tape; syndesmosis.

MeSH terms

  • Bone Screws
  • Fibula / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Lateral Ligament, Ankle / surgery*
  • Suture Techniques
  • Sutures