ANKLE SYNDESMOSIS REPAIR (SUTURE BUTTON) SUB CHONDROPLASTY

If you need a Ankle Syndesmosis Repair (Suture Button) Subchondroplasty, please Schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists as soon as possible.

What Is Ankle Syndesmosis Repair (Suture Button) Subchondroplasty?

Ankle syndesmosis repair with a suture button, combined with subchondroplasty, is a surgical procedure used to treat injuries to the syndesmosis and address subchondral bone defects in the ankle joint. This procedure is typically performed for patients with certain ankle fractures or chronic ankle instability resulting from syndesmosis injuries.

Ankle Syndesmosis Repair with Suture Button: The syndesmosis is a fibrous joint that connects the tibia (shinbone) and fibula (outer leg bone) at the ankle. It plays a crucial role in stabilizing the ankle joint. Syndesmosis injuries, often referred to as “high ankle sprains,” occur when there is a disruption or stretching of the ligaments that hold the tibia and fibula together.

During the surgical procedure, the surgeon first repositions the tibia and fibula back into their anatomically correct alignment. Then, a suture button device is used to stabilize the syndesmosis and maintain the appropriate distance between the two bones while the ligaments heal. The suture button is placed through small holes drilled in the tibia and fibula, and it holds the bones together with strong sutures.

Subchondroplasty: Subchondroplasty is a technique used to address subchondral bone defects or lesions in the ankle joint. Subchondral bone refers to the layer of bone just beneath the cartilage surface of a joint. In some cases of ankle injuries, there may be microfractures or areas of bone that have been damaged and are not healing properly.

In subchondroplasty, a special bone substitute material is injected into the subchondral bone defect under the guidance of fluoroscopy or imaging. The material helps to stabilize and promote healing of the damaged bone, supporting the cartilage and joint function.

Combining Ankle Syndesmosis Repair with Subchondroplasty: When an ankle injury involves both syndesmosis instability and subchondral bone defects, the surgeon may choose to perform both procedures simultaneously. By stabilizing the syndesmosis with the suture button and addressing the subchondral bone defects with the bone substitute, this combined approach aims to provide better overall ankle joint stability and promote healing in the affected areas.

Recovery after ankle syndesmosis repair with suture button and subchondroplasty typically involves a period of immobilization, followed by a gradual return to weight-bearing and physical therapy to regain strength and function in the ankle joint. As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications, and the decision to undergo surgery should be made after a thorough evaluation and discussion with an orthopedic surgeon to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for an individual’s specific condition.

If you would like to speak to an Orthopedic Specialist, give us a call at 817-697-4038, or contact us over the web. Tele-medicine appointments are also available.