RCT Comparing Clinical Outcomes of Suture Button Versus Fibulink Fixation for Acute Ankle Syndesmosis Injuries

This project consists of a randomized controlled study design. Study candidates will include all patients 18 years or older, who were evaluated at UCSD and found to have an acute ankle syndesmosis injury requiring surgery. Patients who consent to study participation will be randomized to receive one of two standard of care procedures - either a suture button or Fibulink implant. Outcome measures, including the Olerud-Molander and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scores, pain, range of motion, time to return to work, and radiographic evaluation will be collected for each participant. Given the potential degenerative changes and poor radiographic and clinical outcomes with inadequate repair of the syndesmosis, it is imperative to evaluate existing and emerging methods of fixation for patients with acute ankle fractures with syndesmosis injuries.

Inclusion Criteria:Ankle fracture with associated syndesmotic injury requiring surgeryAge 18 years or olderAbility to understand the content of the patient information/informed consent formExclusion Criteria:Any not medically managed severe systemic diseasePatient preference for specific implantRefusal of randomizationPregnant patientsPrisonersParticipation in any other pharmacologic or medicinal product study within the previous month that could influence the results of this study