When you suffer a syndesmotic ankle fracture, the goal of surgery is to stabilize the joint so you can move and heal properly. Doctors have different ways to fix these fractures, including using screws or a method called suture button fixation. This method uses a button and thread to hold the bones in place.
A large review of 1,040 patients compared these methods over a 24-month period. The results showed that suture button fixation led to significantly higher Olerud-Molander Ankle Scores, which measure how well a patient functions. It also resulted in lower infection rates and fewer needs for repeat surgeries compared to using screws.
While the study shows suture button fixation has better clinical benefits than both screws and certain nails, it is important to remember that this is a broad review of existing data. Because specific measurements for the size of the improvement were not provided, you should talk to your surgeon to see which option fits your specific injury.
Common questions
What is suture button fixation?
Suture button fixation is a surgical method used to treat syndesmotic ankle fractures. It uses a button and thread to stabilize the bones. This study found that this method resulted in higher Olerud-Molander Ankle Scores, which measure how well a patient can use their ankle, compared to using screws or nails.
Is suture button fixation safer than using screws?
The study found that suture button fixation had a significantly lower infection rate and a significantly lower reoperation rate compared to using screws. These results suggest it may be a more reliable option for patients recovering from syndesmotic ankle fractures.
How does it compare to other treatments for ankle fractures?
The study compared suture button fixation to both screw fixation and tibiotalocalcaneal nails. Suture button fixation performed better than both methods in terms of patient scores and infection rates. You should discuss these specific surgical options with your doctor.
