Syndesmotic fixation in Weber B ankle fractures

What is it about?

Weber B fractures are managed using open reduction and internal fixation if displaced. The syndesmosis is injured in up to 40% of cases resulting in an unstable injury with a syndesmotic diastasis. We carried out a systematic review evaluating the literature on syndesmotic fixation in Weber B fractures to assess outcomes and complications to evaluate the necessity of syndesmotic fixation in Weber B fractures.

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Photo by Nino Liverani on Unsplash

Photo by Nino Liverani on Unsplash

Why is it important?

We found that functional, radiological, and quality-of-life outcomes and incidences of post-traumatic osteoarthritis in patients with syndesmotic screws were similar to those of patients not managed with syndesmotic screws. The results of our systematic review can aid surgeons in considering whether syndesmotic fixation is needed for their patient.