Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41351767›Full record

ArticleInternational orthopaedics2026

Novel dynamic syndesmotic stabilization system improves anteroposterior and axial translation in distal tibiofibular joint.

Firas Souleiman, Ivan Zderic, Torsten Pastor, Dominic Gehweiler, Boyko Gueorguiev, Jessica Galie, Todd Kent, Andrew Sands, John Shank, Matthew Tomlinson and 2 more

Abstract read
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Article in International orthopaedics, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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2 · The registry

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3 · Its place in the literature

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

12 authors.

Firas SouleimanDepartment of Orthopaedic, Trauma and Plastic Surgery, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany. firas.souleiman@medizin.uni-leipzig.de.ORCID 0000-0003-1087-7503
Ivan ZdericAO Research Institute Davos, Davos, Switzerland.ORCID 0000-0003-0484-887X
Torsten PastorAO Research Institute Davos, Davos, Switzerland.ORCID 0000-0003-4357-236X
Dominic GehweilerAO Research Institute Davos, Davos, Switzerland.ORCID 0000-0001-7148-9569
Boyko GueorguievAO Research Institute Davos, Davos, Switzerland.ORCID 0000-0001-9795-115X
Jessica GalieJohnson & Johnson MedTech, New Brunswick, NJ, USA.
Todd KentJohnson & Johnson MedTech, New Brunswick, NJ, USA.
Andrew SandsLower Manhattan Hospital, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, USA.ORCID 0000-0002-6781-9868
John ShankOrthopaedic Centers of Colorado, Colorado Springs, CO, USA.
Matthew TomlinsonThe Orthopaedics Clinic, Auckland, New Zealand.
Tim SchepersTrauma Unit, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands.ORCID 0000-0003-1172-4939
Michael SwordsMichigan Orthopedic Center, University of Michigan Health-Sparrow, Lansing, MI, USA.ORCID 0000-0003-0839-8896

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundThe quest for optimal treatment of acute distal tibiofibular syndesmotic disruptions is still in full progress. Using suture-button repair devices is one of the dynamic stabilization options, however, they may not be always appropriate for stabilization, for example in length-unstable syndesmotic injuries. The aim of this biomechanical study was to investigate whether a novel screw-suture implant addresses such issues compared to suture-button implants while preserving dynamic capabilities.

methodsEight pairs of human cadaveric lower legs were injured by complete syndesmosis and deltoid ligaments cuts, and reconstructed using a screw-suture (FIBULINK, Group 1) or a suture-button (TightRope, Group 2) implant for syndesmotic stabilization, placed 20 mm proximal to the tibia plafond. Following, all specimens were biomechanically tested over 5000 cycles under combined 1400 N axial and ± 15° torsional loading. Anteroposterior, axial/vertical, mediolateral and torsional movements at the distal tibiofibular joint level were evaluated biomechanically via optical motion tracking.

resultsAnteroposterior and axial/vertical movements were significantly smaller and maintained over the cycles in Group 1 compared with Group 2 (p < 0.001). No further significant differences were identified between the groups (p ≥ 0.318).

conclusionAlthough both implant systems demonstrate ability for stabilization of unstable syndesmotic injuries, the screw-suture reconstruction provides better anteroposterior and axial/vertical stability of the distal tibiofibular joint, and maintains it over time under dynamic loading in a cadaveric study design. Therefore, it could be considered as a valid option for treatment of syndesmotic disruptions with length-unstable fibula. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE/ STUDY

designLevel V, Controlled Laboratory Study.

Indexed as

Ankle InjuriesAnkle JointJoint InstabilityLigaments, ArticularTibiaAgedBiomechanical PhenomenaBone ScrewsCadaverFemaleFibulaHumansMaleMiddle AgedRange of Motion, ArticularSuture TechniquesBiomechanicsComputed tomographyLength-unstable syndesmotic injuryReconstructionScrew-suture implantSuture-button deviceSyndesmosisSyndesmotic pronation-eversion injury

Identifiers

PMID41351767
PMCPMC12917059

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.