Disruption of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis is frequently accompanied by rotational ankle fracture such as pronation-external rotation and rarely occurs without ankle fracture. In such injury, not only inadequately treated or misdiagnosed cases, but also correctly diagnosed cases can possibly result in a chronic pattern which is more troublesome to treat than an acute pattern. This paper reviews anatomical and biomechanical characteristics of the distal tibiofibular joint, the mechanism of chronic disruption of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis, radiological and arthroscopic diagnosis, and surgical treatment.
Keywords: Ankle; Chronic injury; Distal tibiofibular joint; Distal tibiofibular syndesmosis; Surgical treatment.