Internal Brace Augmented Anterior Inferior Tibiofibular Ligament Repair: Post-operative Syndesmotic Volumes.

Internal Brace Augmented Anterior Inferior Tibiofibular Ligament Repair and Its Post-operative Effects on Syndesmotic Volumes: A Prospective, Single-blinded, Randomized Study

Over the course of a year from the start of the research study, twenty subjects will be randomized evenly into one of two groups after an informed consent is obtained: a traditional tight rope fixation group or a tight rope fixation with an anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament (AITFL) repair augmentation with an internal brace group. Postoperative reduction was assessed by 3D volumetric ratios and measured by weight-bearing CT at 6-weeks and 3-months post-operation. Patient Reported Outcomes (PROs) were collected preoperatively, and at 6-weeks, 3-months, 6-months, and 1-year post-operation and included the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score and the 36-Item Short Form Survey Instrument (RAND-36) . Differences in volumetric ratios and PROs were evaluated between groups and time periods.

Inclusion Criteria:

• patients who fit the study injury list

Exclusion Criteria:

• smokers
• prior surgery on ankle
• bi-lateral surgery
• recent participation in another study within the last 90days