CASE REVIEW Syndesmotk Ankle Sprains

NKLE INJURIES are among the most common injuries in sports. Those involving the taioand tibiofibular ankle ligaments are among the most common and debilitating afflictions of the lower leg. Syndesmosis ankle sprains are uncommon and difficult to diagnose because of the subtle anatomical changes involved. When the injury goes undetected, the outcome can be persistent pain and instability that can lead to further injury. The structural damage resulting from syndesmosis sprains is comparable to ankle-joint fractures in terms of time to heal from surgery and the length of disability. The major function of the syndesmosis is to maintain the articulation between the tibia and fibula. The force applied to the ankle that causes a syndesmosis injury is usually forced external rotation, which, with the foot in a neutral position, disrupts mostly the anterior syndesmosis structures. When combined with dorsior plantar flexion, forced external rotation of the foot can damage the lateral and medial structures of the foot, as well as the syndesmosis.