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What is the syndesmosis Where is it located and what is its purpose?
A syndesmosis is a joint where the rough edges of two bones are held together by thick connective ligaments. The connection of the lower leg bones, the tibia and fibula, is a syndesmosis. The tibia is the main bone of the lower leg. The fibula is the small, thin bone that runs down the outer edge of the tibia.
What is a syndesmosis in anatomy?
A syndesmosis is defined as a fibrous joint in which two adjacent bones are linked by a strong membrane or ligaments. This definition also applies for the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis, which is a syndesmotic joint formed by two bones and four ligaments.
Where does syndesmosis hurt?
An ankle syndesmosis injury is a common cause of pain at the front (anterior) of your ankle. This injury is also referred to as a high ankle sprain as it affects the ligaments above the ankle joint.
What is the function of the syndesmosis?
The function of syndesmosis ligament complex: Provide strong stabilization and dynamic support to the ankle mortise. Maintain the integrity between the distal tibia and fibula. Resist forces (axial, rotational, and translational) that attempt to separate the two bones.
How is syndesmosis treated?
How are these injuries treated? Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) are the first steps following an ankle injury. After that, treatment depends on the specifics of the injury. Recovery time following syndesmosis sprain can take twice as long as recovery from other ankle sprains.
Does syndesmosis require surgery?
If the syndesmosis is found to be stable, it usually will not require surgical management. If you have other medical conditions that make surgery too risky for your health, your surgeon may recommend non-surgical treatment.
How long does it take for syndesmosis to heal?
Evidence suggests that syndesmosis sprains typically require 6 to 8 weeks for recovery, but this is variable. Chronic pain, instability, and functional limitations are common after syndesmosis sprains.
Where are syndesmosis located in the human body?
Joints of this kind are found at several points in the human body, including the intermediate radioulnar joint, where the radius and ulna meet above the wrist; in the spine between the spinous processes of various adjacent vertebra; and above the ankle joint where the tibia and fibula converge.
Where is the syndesmosis ligament located in the ankle?
The syndesmosis is a fibrous joint held together by ligaments. It’s located near the ankle joint, between the tibia , or shinbone, and the distal fibula , or outside leg bone.
What is the syndesmosis of the distal tibia?
Description. A syndesmosis is a fibrous joint between two bones and linked by ligaments and a strong membrane. The distal tibiofibular syndesmosis is a syndesmotic joint. It is formed between the distal tibia and fibula and it is attached by the interosseous ligament (IOL), the anterior-inferior tibiofibular ligament (AITFL),…
What happens if the syndesmosis is left untreated?
If a damaged syndesmosis is left untreated, poor results often occur. The ankle joint is held in proper alignment by the ends of the tibia and fibula, which wraps around the inner and outer side of the ankle. If the syndesmosis is damaged, the ankle joint may become unstable.
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