Proximal Tibiofibular Dislocation Repaired with Syndesmotic Suture Buttons: A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Traumatology

Background:

• Proximal tibiofibular joint (PTFJ) dislocations are uncommon orthopedic injuries.
• Current standard treatment involves open reduction internal fixation with transfixation screws.
• Limited research exists on alternative repair techniques for PTFJ dislocations.

Observation:

• A 46-year-old male sustained severe open tibia and fibula fractures with PTFJ dislocation.
• Imaging revealed comminuted fractures, PTFJ dislocation, and intra-articular air tracking.
• The patient underwent tibial fracture fixation and PTFJ repair using suture buttons.

Findings:

• The patient achieved complete bone healing and PTFJ syndesmosis stability at 2-year follow-up.
• No hardware failure or loosening was observed.
• Suture button repair demonstrated successful outcomes in this complex case.

Implications:

• Suture buttons represent a viable alternative for PTFJ dislocation repair.
• This technique may lead to fewer complications, such as hardware removal.
• It could facilitate a quicker return to work for patients with PTFJ injuries.