Progress in bioabsorbable screws used in treatment of injury to distal tibiofibular syndesmosis

As injury to distal tibiofibular syndesmosis is commonly associated with ankle fractures, it calls for timely and correct diagnosis and treatment because it might result in chronic pain and ankle instability. Its severe cases can lead to traumatic arthritis. Stable injury to distal tibiofibular syndesmosis can be treated conservatively, but internal fixation is mostly recommended for severe cases of the injury. Internal fixation with metal screws usually requires a secondary surgery for removal of the implants but application of bioabsorbable screws overcomes this trouble and avoids a secondary surgery and its related complications. This article reviews the advantages of bio-absorbable screws, choice of bioabsorbable materials and screws, therapeutic outcomes and adverse reactions in the treatment of distal tibiofibular syndesmotic injury. Key words: Ankle; Bone screws; Fracture fixation, internal; Distal tibiofibular