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BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

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Open Access 01-12-2022 | Osteoarthrosis | Research

Application of an arched, Ni–Ti shape-memory connector in repairing distal tibiofibular syndesmosis ligament injury

Authors: Jinbo Zhao, Yuntong Zhang, Yan Xia, Xuhui Wang, Shuogui Xu, Yang Xie

Published in: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders | Issue 1/2022

Abstract

Objective

To investigate the clinical effect of internal fixation of a Ni–Ti arched shape-memory connector in the treatment of distal tibiofibular syndesmosis ligament injury.

Methods

From January 2013 to January 2016, 108 cases of ankle fracture with distal tibiofibular syndesmosis ligament injury in our hospital were selected, and all of them were fixed with ASCs or screw fixation. The functional evaluation and efficacy evaluation were performed according to the Olerud Molander Ankle Score (Omas) and SF-36. At the same time, follow-ups recorded the incidence of postoperative complications: osteoarthritis, superficial infection, symptomatic hard and soft tissue irritation, early removal and poor reduction of internal fixation, and later loss of reduction.

Results

In the ASC(Ni–Ti Arched shape-memory Connector) group, the incidence of symptomatic hardware, soft tissue or superficial infection decreased to 2.77%(from 13.8% or 11.1% in SCREW group). The early removal rate(2.77%) of internal fixation was also lower than that of the screw group. While the incidence of osteoarthritis is 13.8% in SCREW group, the incidence of osteoarthritis in the later follow-up was also as low as 1.38% in ASC group. Loss of fracture reduction due to removal of the fixation device for the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis ligament was not observed in the ASC group. With two postoperative scoring systems (OMAS and SF-36), patients in the ASC group significantly get higher score than that in SCREW group.

Conclusion

The design of the Ni–Ti arched shape-memory connector can be adapted to the irregular anatomical structure of the malleolus and the ability to continue to contract by body temperature. The use of ASCs in fixation of articular ligaments can preserve a slight range of motion, and the results suggest that ASCs can effectively reduce the incidence of fixation looseness, fracture, infection and other complications.

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Title: Application of an arched, Ni–Ti shape-memory connector in repairing distal tibiofibular syndesmosis ligament injury
Authors: Jinbo Zhao
Yuntong Zhang
Yan Xia
Xuhui Wang
Shuogui Xu
Yang Xie
Publication date: 01-12-2022
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Osteoarthrosis
Ankle Fracture
Osteoarthrosis
Published in: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders / Issue 1/2022
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2474
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-022-05449-9

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Application of an arched, Ni–Ti shape-memory connector in repairing distal tibiofibular syndesmosis ligament injury

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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