Optimal Screw Fixation of Syndesmosis Using a Targeting Drill Guide: A Technical Note

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Biomechanical fixation techniques

Background:

• Syndesmotic injuries often require surgical fixation.
• Achieving optimal screw placement for syndesmosis fixation can be technically demanding.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel technique for centroidal screw fixation of the syndesmosis.
• To enhance the reproducibility and precision of screw trajectory during syndesmotic repair.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a targeting drill guide, originally designed for anterior cruciate ligament surgery.
• Employed intraoperative fluoroscopy to guide screw placement.
• Focused on achieving centroidal screw fixation along the individual axis of the syndesmosis.

Main Results:

• The novel technique demonstrated reproducible screw fixation.
• The targeting drill guide facilitated an optimal screw trajectory.
• Centroidal fixation along the individual axis was achieved.

Conclusions:

• The described technique offers a reproducible method for optimal syndesmotic screw fixation.
• The use of a targeting drill guide and fluoroscopy improves screw trajectory accuracy.
• This approach addresses the challenges of syndesmotic fixation.