Ruptured tibio-fibular syndesmosis: comparison study of metallic to bioabsorbable fixation

The patients of this study come from a series of 43 consecutive ankle fracture patients with syndesmotic rupture operated on at our department. Of these patients, 18 were treated with bioabsorbable self-reinforced poly-L-lactide screw and 12 treated with metallic screw. All agreed to participate in this study. They were examined after a minimum follow-up period of 12 months. The patients were examined for measurements from ankle radiographic and computed tomography films, loaded dorsal range of movement of the ankle, and duration of sick leave. Subjective results were obtained by a constructed questionnaire. There were no significant differences between the patient groups in any of the parameters measured. We conclude that the fixation of a syndesmotic rupture can be done with a bioabsorbable self-reinforced poly-L-lactide screw.