Evaluation of Distal Tibiofibular Synostosis Formation and Risk Factors After Surgically Treated Ankle Fractures: A...

This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of partial bridging and synostosis in the distal tibiofibular joint after surgically treated ankle fractures and determine possible risk factors. In this retrospective study, patients admitted to our hospital with ankle trauma between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2020, who were operated on for an ankle fracture and had a follow-up period of at least 1 year, were included. Patients underwent anteroposterior, lateral, and mortise radiographs of the ankle and low-dose computed tomography postoperatively. The presence of partial bridging and synostosis in the distal tibiofibular joint was evaluated. The study included 75 patients (50 males, 25 females). There were 40 patients with the right fracture side and 35 patients with the left fracture side. The mean age of the patients included in the study was 43.96 ± 15.07 years. The total follow-up period was 40 ± 13 months. Nineteen patients had partial bridging (13 males, 6 females), and 9 had synostosis (7 males, 2 females). The incidence of partial bridging was 25.3%, and synostosis was 12%. We determined that high-energy trauma is a risk factor for synostosis, but we found that syndesmosis injury is not a risk factor for developing distal tibiofibular synostosis. Additionally, we found that distal tibiofibular synostosis and partial bridging do not affect ankle joint movements.