Tibiofibular Syndesmotic Injury: Current Advances in Diagnosis and Treatment
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21502230Keywords:
Ankle instability, Ligaments, Ankle injuries, Magnetic resonance imaging, Orthopedic fixationAbstract
Tibiofibular syndesmotic injuries are an important cause of ankle instability and are commonly associated with sports-related trauma and malleolar fractures. Delayed diagnosis may lead to persistent pain, chronic instability, and post-traumatic osteoarthritis, making early recognition essential. This study aimed to review the current scientific evidence regarding the anatomy, mechanisms of injury, diagnosis, classification, and treatment of tibiofibular syndesmotic injuries. An integrative literature review was conducted using the PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, SciELO, and Virtual Health Library (VHL) databases. The analyzed studies demonstrated that combining clinical evaluation with imaging methods, particularly magnetic resonance imaging, significantly improves diagnostic accuracy. Furthermore, syndesmotic stability was identified as the key factor in determining the choice between conservative and surgical treatment, with dynamic fixation devices emerging as an effective option for restoring joint stability. It is concluded that early diagnosis and individualized therapeutic management are essential to optimize functional outcomes, reduce complications, and facilitate a safe return to sports and occupational activities.
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