Comparison of Gait in Syndesmosis Injuries Treated With Screw Fixation vs Suture Button

Injuries to the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis are common and occur in an estimated 25% of all rotational ankle fractures. Anatomic reduction of the syndesmosis has been associated with improved functional outcome as well as decreased rates of posttraumatic arthritis. Both screw fixation and suture fixation have become accepted standards of care for treatment of syndesmotic injuries. Recent literature would suggest trends favoring suture fixation over screw fixation with improved quality of syndesmotic reduction, postoperative range of motion, and improved maintenance of syndesmotic reduction. However, the evidence remains heterogeneous, and patient reported outcomes have failed to show a superiority of one method over the other. Additionally, there have been no studies that demonstrate objective gait outcomes comparing screw versus suture fixation for syndesmotic injuries.