Syndesmosis Injuries

Symptoms of a syndesmosis injury may include:

• Pain and tenderness above the ankle joint.

• Swelling and bruising in the area.

• Difficulty bearing weight on the affected leg.

• Instability or a feeling of the ankle "giving way."

• Pain when rotating the ankle.

Consultation and Preoperative Evaluation:

Your healthcare professional may recommend you meet with an orthopaedic surgeon who specialises in ankle injuries. This is a procedure we are passionate about and would assess the severity of your injury through physical examination and imaging tests such as X-rays or MRIs.

During this consultation, discuss your medical history, current symptoms, and any concerns you may have about the surgery.

Surgical Procedure:

• Syndesmosis surgery typically involves stabilising the tibia and fibula by repairing or replacing the damaged ligaments. The specific surgical approach may vary depending on the extent of the injury.

• Common surgical techniques include screw fixation or suture buttons to hold the bones in place and promote healing.

Anaesthesia:

The surgery is performed under anaesthesia to ensure you are comfortable and pain-free during the procedure. Our surgeon and anaesthesiologist will discuss the type of anaesthesia used, which may be general or regional (spinal or epidural).

Length of Surgery:

The duration of the surgery depends on the complexity of the injury and the chosen surgical technique. It can range from approximately 30 minutes to a few hours.

Hospital Stay:

Syndesmosis surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you may not need to stay in the hospital overnight. However, in some cases, a short hospital stay may be required.

Recovery and Rehabilitation:

• Following surgery, you will need to use crutches or a walker to keep weight off the operated ankle for a period specified by our surgeon. This allows the repaired ligaments to heal.

• Physical therapy is a crucial part of the recovery process. A physical therapist will help you regain strength, flexibility, and range of motion in your ankle.

• The total recovery time can vary but may take several weeks to months before you can return to normal activities and sports.

Pain Management:

Pain and discomfort are common after surgery. If required, our surgeon may prescribe pain medications to manage your pain during the recovery period.

Follow-Up Appointments:

You will need to attend regular follow-up appointments with our team to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.

Potential Complications:

As with any surgery, there are potential risks and complications, such as infection, blood clots, or complications related to anaesthesia. Your surgeon will discuss these risks with you.

Expectations:

Our surgeon will provide specific instructions for post-operative care, including wound care, activity restrictions, and rehabilitation exercises. It's essential to follow these instructions diligently to achieve the best possible outcome.

 

Remember that the success of the surgery and your overall recovery will depend on various factors, including the severity of your injury and your commitment to following the recommended post-operative care and rehabilitation program. Always consult with your healthcare provider to address any concerns or questions you may have about syndesmosis surgery.