[Experimental studies on the biomechanics of syndesmosis]

The amplitude of movement of the distal fibula was measured with the tibio-fibular syndesmosis intact, severed and transfixed after anatomical and insufficient reduction. Transfixation by means of a location screw inserted above the syndesmosis horizontally and at an angle of 30 degrees in the frontal plane proved to be optimal since the quality of movement is not altered while its amplitude is only minimally reduced. Malalignment with shortening leads to rotation outward.