Dataset Information

The additional value of an oblique image plane for MRI of the anterior and posterior distal tibiofibular syndesmosis.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

The optimal MRI scan planes of collateral ligaments of the ankle have been described extensively, with the exception of the syndesmotic ligaments. We assessed the optimal scan plane for depicting the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis.

Materials and methods

In order to determine the optimal oblique caudal-cranial and lateral-medial MRI scan plane, two fresh frozen cadaveric ankles were used. The angle of the scan plane that demonstrated the anterior and posterior distal tibiofibular ligament uninterrupted in their full length was determined. In a prospective study this oblique scan plane was then used in addition to the axial and coronal planes, for MRI scans of both ankles in 21 healthy volunteers. Two observers independently evaluated the anterior tibiofibular ligament (ATIFL) and posterior tibiofibular ligament (PTIFL) regarding the continuity of the individual fascicles, thickness and wavy contour of the ligaments in both the axial and the oblique plane. Kappa was calculated to determine the interobserver agreement. McNemar's test was used to statistically quantify the significance of the two scan planes.

Results

In the axial plane the ATIFL was in 31% (13/42) partly and in 69% (29/42) completely discontinuous; in the oblique plane the ATIFL was continuous in 88% (37/42) and partly discontinuous in 12% (5/42). Compared with the axial plane, the oblique plane demonstrated significantly less discontinuity (p<0.001), but not significantly less thickening (p=1.00) or less wavy contour (p=0.06) of the ATIFL. In the axial scan plane the PTIFL was continuous in 76% (32/42), partially discontinuous in 19% (8/42) and completely discontinuous in 5% (2/42); in the oblique plane the PTIFL was continuous in 100% (42/42). Compared with the axial plane, the oblique plane demonstrated significantly less discontinuity (p=0.002), but not significantly less thickening (p=1.00) or less wavy contour (p=0.50) of the PTIFL. The interobserver agreement score and kappa (?) regarding the continuity for the ATIFL in the axial and oblique planes was 91% (?=0.79) and 91% (?=0.55) respectively; for the PTIFL it was 86% (?=0.65) and 100% (? = not defined).

Conclusion

The ATIFL and PTIFL are routinuely scanned in the orthogonal planes. The advantage of MRI scanning in an oblique image plane of about 45 degrees permits a better evaluation of the ligaments compared with the axial plane, particularly a better interpretation of ligament continuity, thickening and wavy contour. This may lead to a reduction in false-positive results, especially regarding partial or complete ligament ruptures. This can be of considerable aid in therapeutic management.

SUBMITTER: Hermans JJ

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2989003 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

The additional value of an oblique image plane for MRI of the anterior and posterior distal tibiofibular syndesmosis.

Hermans John J JJ Ginai Abida Z AZ Wentink Noortje N Hop Wim C J WC Beumer Annechien A

Skeletal radiology 20100613 1

<h4>Objective</h4>The optimal MRI scan planes of collateral ligaments of the ankle have been described extensively, with the exception of the syndesmotic ligaments. We assessed the optimal scan plane for depicting the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis.<h4>Materials and methods</h4>In order to determine the optimal oblique caudal-cranial and lateral-medial MRI scan plane, two fresh frozen cadaveric ankles were used. The angle of the scan plane that demonstrated the anterior and posterior distal tib ...[more]

PMID: 20549205

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Project description:BackgroundThis investigation's purpose was to perform a systematic review of the literature examining the biomechanics of the ligaments comprising the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis with specific attention to their resistance to translational and rotational forces. Although current syndesmosis repair techniques can achieve an anatomic reduction, they may not reapproximate native ankle biomechanics, resulting in loss of reduction, joint overconstraint, or lack of external rotation resistance. Armed with a contemporary understanding of individual ligament biomechanics, future operative strategies can target key stabilizing structure(s), translating to a repair better equipped to resist anatomic displacing forces.Study designSystematic review.MethodsA systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines using a PRISMA checklist. Biomechanical studies testing cadaveric lower limb specimens in the intact and injured state measuring the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis resistance to translational and rotational forces were included in this review. Only studies that included numerical data were included in this review; studies that only reported figures and graphs were excluded.ResultsTwelve studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Two studies determined the mechanical properties of syndesmotic ligaments, finding superior strength and stiffness of the interosseous ligament (IOL), as compared to the anterior (AITFL) or posteroinferior tibiofibular ligament (PITFL). Four studies examined native ankle biomechanics establishing physiologic range of motion of the fibula relative to the tibia. Fibular range of motion was found to be up to 2.53 mm of posterior translation (Markolf et al), 1.00 mm lateral translation (Xenos et al), 3.6 degrees of external rotation (Burssens et al), and 1.4 degrees of internal rotation (Clanton et al). Four studies evaluated syndesmotic biomechanics under physiological loading and found that the AITFL, IOL, and PITFL provide the majority of resistance to external rotation, diastasis, and internal rotation, respectively. Two studies investigated the biomechanics of clinically and intraoperatively used tests for syndesmotic injuries and found increased sensitivity of sagittal plane posterior fibular translation, as opposed to coronal plane lateral fibular translation for unstable injuries.ConclusionsStudy findings suggest that although the IOL is the strongest syndesmotic ligament, the AITFL has a dominant role stabilizing the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis to external rotation force. Because of these characteristics, operative repair of the AITFL along its native vector may provide a more biomechanically advantageous construct and should be investigated clinically. Additionally, evaluation of clinical stress tests revealed that the external rotation stress test is the most sensitive test to recognize an AITFL tear, and that a 3-ligament disruption is needed to cause diastasis greater than 2 mm.

Project description:PurposeRecently, a new suture-button fixation device has emerged for the treatment of acute distal tibiofibular syndesmotic injuries and its use is rapidly increasing. The current systematic review was undertaken to compare the biomechanical properties, functional outcome, need for implant removal, and the complication rate of syndesmotic disruptions treated with a suture-button device with the current 'gold standard', i.e. the syndesmotic screw.MethodA literature search in the electronic databases of the Cochrane Library, EMbase, Pubmed Medline, and Google Scholar, between January 1st 2000 to December 1st 2011, was conducted to identify studies in which unstable ankle fractures with concomitant distal tibiofibular syndesmotic injury were treated with either a syndesmotic screw or a suture-button device.ResultsA total of six biomechanical studies, seven clinical full-text studies and four abstracts on the TightRope system, and 27 studies on syndesmotic screw or bolt fixation were identified. The AOFAS of 133 patients treated with TightRope was 89.1 points, with an average study follow-up of 19 months. The AOFAS score in studies with 253 patients treated with syndesmotic screws (metallic and absorbable) or bolts was 86.3 points, with an average study follow-up of 42 months. Two studies reported an earlier return to work in the TightRope group. Implant removal was reported in 22 (10%) of 220 patients treated with a TightRope (range, 0-25%), in the screw or bolt group the average was 51.9% of 866 patients (range, 5.8-100%).ConclusionThe TightRope system has a similar outcome compared with the syndesmotic screw or bolt fixation, but might lead to a quicker return to work. The rate of implant removal is lower than in the syndesmotic screw group. There is currently insufficient evidence on the long-term effects of the TightRope and more uniform outcome reporting is desirable. In addition, there is a need for studies on cost-effectiveness of the treatment of acute distal tibiofibular syndesmotic disruption treated with a suture-button device.

Project description:BackgroundStabilization methods for distal tibiofibular syndesmotic injuries present risk of malreduction. We compared reduction accuracy and biomechanical properties of a new syndesmotic reduction and stabilization technique using 2 suture buttons placed through a sagittal tunnel in the fibula and across the tibia just proximal to the incisura with those of the conventional method.MethodsSyndesmotic injury was created in 18 fresh-frozen cadaveric lower leg specimens. Nine ankles were repaired with the conventional method and 9 with the new technique. Reduction for the conventional method was performed using thumb pressure under direct visualization and for the new method by tightening both suture buttons passed through the fibular and tibial tunnels. Computed tomography was used to assess reduction accuracy. Torsional resistance, fibular rotation, and fibular translation were evaluated during biomechanical testing.ResultsThe new technique showed less lateral translation of the fibula on CT measurements after reduction (0.06 ± 0.06 mm) than the conventional method (0.26 ± 0.31 mm), P = .02. The new technique produced less fibular rotation during internal rotation after 0 cycles (new -2.4 ± 1.4 degrees; conventional -5.0 ± 1.2 degrees, P = .001), 100 cycles (new -2.1 ± 1.9 degrees; conventional -4.6 ± 1.4 degrees, P = .01), and 500 cycles (new -2.2 ± 1.6 degrees; conventional -5.3 ± 2.5 degrees, P = .01) and during external rotation after 100 cycles (new 3.9 ± 3.3 degrees; conventional 5.9 ± 3.5 degrees, P = .02) and 500 cycles (new 3.3 ± 3.2 degrees; conventional 6.3 ± 2.6 degrees, P = .03). Fixation failed in 3 specimens.ConclusionThe new syndesmotic reduction and fixation technique resulted in more accurate reduction of the fibula in the tibial incisura in the coronal plane and better rotational stability compared with the conventional method.Clinical relevanceThis new technique of syndesmosis reduction and stabilization may be a reliable alternative to current methods.

Dataset Information

The additional value of an oblique image plane for MRI of the anterior and posterior distal tibiofibular syndesmosis.

Objective

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusion

Publications

The additional value of an oblique image plane for MRI of the anterior and posterior distal tibiofibular syndesmosis.

Similar Datasets

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