Evaluating success rate and comparing complications of operative techniques used to treat chronic syndesmosis injuries

Purpose: To assess the success rate and complications of the surgical interventions used to manage chronic syndesmosis injuries.

Methods: Multiple online databases were queried to identify studies reporting operative intervention for chronic syndesmosis injuries.

Results: Modalities of operative fixation include suture-button fixation, arthroscopy and debridement, as well as arthrodesis. The use of operative treatment is effective; however, more direct comparison studies are necessary to evaluate the efficacy of each treatment.

Conclusion: Various operative procedures have been used for the management of chronic syndesmotic injuries but further prospective studies are necessary to determine the type of treatment that should be indicated.