Osteomyelitis after TightRope(®) fixation of the ankle syndesmosis: a case report and review of the literature.

Abstract

Fixation of ankle syndesmosis injuries using the Ankle TightRope(®) has been gaining popularity. It has been shown to produce good results, facilitate early weightbearing, reduce the need for implant removal, and allow an earlier return to work and, possibly, a more anatomic syndesmotic reduction compared with screw fixation. However, its usage has been associated with complications such as soft tissue irritation, infection and wound breakdown, suture-button subsidence, and pathologic fracture from the screw tract. We describe a case of chronic osteomyelitis and suture-button migration associated with TightRope(®) fixation and a limited contact-dynamic compression plate for ankle syndesmosis disruption and lateral malleolus fracture.