Definition/Description. A syndesmotic, or ‘high’ ankle sprain is one that involves the ligaments binding the distal tibia and fibula at the Distal Tibiofibular Syndesmosis . Injuries can occur with any ankle motion, but the most common motions are extreme external rotation or dorsiflexion of the Talus.
How do you treat syndesmosis injury?
Acute instability of the syndesmosis must be treated surgically by placing a syndesmotic screw or a suture button . Sometimes AITFL repair is all that is needed.
What does a syndesmosis injury feel like?
Symptoms. The most common symptoms associated with a syndesmosis sprain are pain, inflammation, and lack of movement . You might also feel more severe pain when you bear any weight on the ankle. There are also different levels of pain and symptoms depending on the degree of the syndesmosis sprain.
What is a syndesmosis sprain also known as?
A high ankle sprain , also called a syndesmotic injury, occurs when there is tearing and damage to the high ankle ligaments. These injuries are much less common than a traditional ankle sprain.
What are syndesmosis injuries?
Syndesmosis injuries occur when there is a disruption of the distal attachment of the tibia and fibula . These injuries occur commonly (up to 18% of ankle sprains), and the incidence increases in the setting of athletic activity. Recognition of these injuries is key to preventing long-term morbidity.
Can you walk with a syndesmosis injury?
The ankle will be painful and difficult to walk on , and there will usually be pain on touch above the ankle joint itself. Pain may be present through to the calf, and it is usually painful or difficult to pull the foot and toes up.
How long does syndesmosis take to heal?
Evidence suggests that syndesmosis sprains typically require 6 to 8 weeks for recovery, but this is variable. Chronic pain, instability, and functional limitations are common after syndesmosis sprains.
What is the fastest way to heal a high ankle sprain?
- Rest. Avoid activities that cause pain, swelling or discomfort.
- Ice. Use an ice pack or ice slush bath immediately for 15 to 20 minutes and repeat every two to three hours while you’re awake. ...
- Compression. To help stop swelling, compress the ankle with an elastic bandage until the swelling stops. ...
- Elevation.
How do I know if I have a high ankle sprain?
If you’ve experienced a high ankle sprain, you might be able to put weight on your foot and ankle, but you’ll probably have pain above your ankle , between your fibula and tibia. You’ll likely experience more pain when climbing up or down stairs, or engaging in any activities that cause your ankle bones to flex upward.
How painful is a high ankle sprain?
What are the symptoms of a high ankle sprain? You will typically feel pain that radiates up your leg from the ankle . Each step you take may be quite painful, and the pain is usually even worse if you move your foot in the same way as when the injury occurred.
Which ligament is damaged in a high ankle sprain?
So a high ankle sprain involves damage to a band of ligament tissue that connects the fibula and tibia called the Interosseous Membrane and damage to other ligaments such as the posterior and anterior Tibio-Fibular ligaments . Another part that can be damaged is the capsule that surrounds the ankle joint.
What grade is a high ankle sprain?
There are different severity of a high ankle sprain which is categorized into grade 1, grade 2, and grade 3 . Grade 1 is a mild issue which can take 6 weeks to heal, but it may take longer to return to functional sport again.
What is an example of syndesmosis?
Syndesmoses are slightly movable joints (amphiarthroses). They are comprised of bones held together by an interosseous membrane. The middle radioulnar joint and middle tibiofibular joint are examples of a syndesmosis joint.
Where does syndesmosis hurt?
An ankle syndesmosis injury is a common cause of pain at the front (anterior) of your ankle . This injury is also referred to as a high ankle sprain as it affects the ligaments above the ankle joint.
Does syndesmosis injury require surgery?
Surgery of the syndesmosis most often is needed after a traumatic disruption . The goal of surgery is to properly align and stabilize the joint so the ligaments can heal in the correct position.
