The effect of suture-button fixation on simulated syndesmotic malreduction: a cadaveric study. 2014

Robert W Westermann, and Chamnanni Rungprai, and Jessica E Goetz, and John Femino, and Annunziato Amendola, and Phinit Phisitkul
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, 200 Hawkins Drive, 01008 JPP, Iowa City, IA 52242. E-mail address for R.W. Westermann: Robert-Westermann@uiowa.edu. E-mail address for C. Rungprai: chamnanni-rungprai@uiowa.edu. E-mail address for J. Femino: john-femino@uiowa.edu. E-mail address for A. Amendola: ned-amendola@uiowa.edu. E-mail address for P. Phisitkul: phinit-phisitkul@uiowa.edu. E-mail address: jessica-goetz@uiowa.edu.

BACKGROUND The accuracy of reduction of distal tibiofibular syndesmosis disruptions has been associated with the clinical outcome. Suture-button fixation of the syndesmosis is a dynamic alternative mode of fixation. We hypothesized that with deliberate clamp-induced malreduction, suture-button fixation of the syndesmosis would allow a more anatomic post-fixation position compared with screw fixation. METHODS Forty-eight syndesmotic fixations were performed on twelve through-knee cadaveric specimens. The syndesmosis was destabilized and off-axis clamping was used to produce both anterior and posterior malreduction patterns. In twelve scenarios (six anterior and six posterior malreductions), syndesmotic screw fixation was used, followed by computed tomography. With tenacula holding the malreduction, the syndesmosis screws were exchanged for a suture-button construct and the specimens underwent a subsequent computed tomography scan. In the other twelve scenarios, the suture-button fixation was achieved first, followed by screw fixation. Standardized measurements of anterior-posterior and medial-lateral fibular displacement were performed by two observers blinded to the method of fixation. RESULTS With anterior off-axis clamping, the mean sagittal malreduction was 2.7 ± 2.0 mm with screw fixation and 1.0 ± 1.0 mm with suture-button fixation (p = 0.02). With posterior off-axis clamping, the sagittal malreduction was 7.2 ± 2.3 mm with screw fixation and 0.5 ± 1.4 mm with suture-button fixation (p < 0.01). No differences were observed between fixation types in the coronal plane (p = 0.20 for anterior malreductions and p = 0.06 for posterior malreductions). CONCLUSIONS With deliberate malreduction in a cadaver model, suture-button fixation of the syndesmosis results in less post-fixation displacement compared with screw fixation. The suture button's ability to allow for natural correction of deliberate malreduction was greatest with posterior off-axis clamping. CONCLUSIONS Although the clinical relevance is unknown, dynamic syndesmotic fixation may mitigate clamp-induced malreduction.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008297 Male Males
D008875 Middle Aged An adult aged 45 - 64 years. Middle Age
D002102 Cadaver A dead body, usually a human body. Corpse,Cadavers,Corpses
D005260 Female Females
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000328 Adult A person having attained full growth or maturity. Adults are of 19 through 44 years of age. For a person between 19 and 24 years of age, YOUNG ADULT is available. Adults
D016512 Ankle Injuries Harm or hurt to the ankle or ankle joint usually inflicted by an external source. Ankle Sprains,Injuries, Ankle,Syndesmotic Injuries,Ankle Injury,Ankle Sprain,Injuries, Syndesmotic,Injury, Ankle,Injury, Syndesmotic,Sprain, Ankle,Sprains, Ankle,Syndesmotic Injury
D053441 Suture Anchors Implants used in arthroscopic surgery and other orthopedic procedures to attach soft tissue to bone. One end of a suture is tied to soft tissue and the other end to the implant. The anchors are made of a variety of materials including titanium, stainless steel, or absorbable polymers. Bone Anchors,Anchor, Bone,Anchor, Suture,Anchors, Bone,Anchors, Suture,Bone Anchor,Suture Anchor

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