Heterotopic Ossification of Distal Tibiofibular Syndesmosis after Ankle Fractures

족관절 골절 후 발생한 원위 경비 인대의 이소성 골형성

Purpose: To evaluate the effect on clinical course of heterotopic ossification of distal tibiofibular syndesmosis after ankle fractures. Materials and Methods: From June 2001 to May 2004, we found nine cases of heterotopic ossification of distal tibiofibular syndesmosis after ankle fractures. There were 8 male patients and 1 female patient; their mean age was 42 years old. There were 6 Weber type B and 2 Weber type C fractures, and there is 1 case with posterior malleolus fracture only. Among them, 8 ankle fractures were operated. Follow up period was averaged for 14 months. We were able to review radiographs at initial injury and to review clinical menifestation and radiographs at last follow up. We used an ankle-hindfoot scoring system of AOFAS which combined symptom, function and alignment with maximum score of 100 point. Results: In all cases ankle dorsiflexion and plantarflexion were not significantly different from that of the contralateral side. The patients who had developed heterotopic ossification in distal tibiofibular syndesmosis had a similar functional score. The mean ankle-hind foot score was 94 points. Conclusion: We concluded that the heterotopic ossification of distal tibiafibular syndesmosis after ankle fractures had little effect on clinical course and range of motion of ankle joint.