J Korean Foot Ankle Soc.  2006 Jun;10(1):88-91.

Heterotopic Ossification of Distal Tibiofibular Syndesmosis after Ankle Fractures

• Chung HJ
• Choi YS
• Choi JY

Abstract

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect on clinical course of heterotopic ossification of distal tibiofibular syndesmosis after ankle fractures.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
From June 2001 to May 2004, we found nine cases of heterotopic ossification of distal tibiofibular syndesmosis after ankle fractures. There were 8 male patients and 1 female patient; their mean age was 42 years old. There were 6 Weber type B and 2 Weber type C fractures, and there is 1 case with posterior malleolus fracture only. Among them, 8 ankle fractures were operated. Follow up period was averaged for 14 months. We were able to review radiographs at initial injury and to review clinical menifestation and radiographs at last follow up. We used an ankle-hindfoot scoring system of AOFAS which combined symptom, function and alignment with maximum score of 100 point.
RESULTS
In all cases ankle dorsiflexion and plantarflexion were not significantly different from that of the contralateral side. The patients who had developed heterotopic ossification in distal tibiofibular syndesmosis had a similar functional score. The mean ankle-hind foot score was 94 points.
CONCLUSION
We concluded that the heterotopic ossification of distal tibiafibular syndesmosis after ankle fractures had little effect on clinical course and range of motion of ankle joint.

Keyword

Ankle fracture; Distal tibiofibular syndesmosis; Heterotopic ossification

MeSH Terms

Adult
Ankle Fractures*
Ankle Joint*
Ankle*
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Foot
Humans
Male
Ossification, Heterotopic*
Range of Motion, Articular