Kinematics before and after reconstruction of the anterior syndesmosis of the ankle

Abstract

Background We have previously shown that patients with instability of the anterior syndesmosis benefit from an anatomical reconstruction. It is not known whether this is because of restored kinematics. Methods In a prospective study of 5 patients, we assessed clinical findings and tibiofibular kinematics, evaluated by radiostereometry, before and after reconstruction of a chronic syndesmotic injury. Results We found no statistically significant differences in tibiofibular kinematics before and after reconstruction. The kinematics of the fibula relative to the tibia during external rotation stress differed from that known in asymptomatic volunteers, but the differences were not typical enough to differentiate between patients and healthy subjects. Clinical examination and ankle scores, however, showed that all patients benefited from reconstruction of the anterior syndesmosis. Interpretation Radiostereometry is not an adequate technique to diagnose chronic syndesmotic instability or to demonstrate restoration of the kinematics of the ankle as a cause of the beneficial effect of anatomical reconstruction of the syndesmosis.