The Journal of foot and ankle surgery : official publication of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Comparison of Clamp Reduction and Manual Reduction of Syndesmosis in Rotational Ankle Fractures: A Prospective Randomized Trial.
An optimal outcome of surgical treatment for a syndesmotic injury depends on accurate reduction and adequate fixation. It has been suggested that the use of a reduction clamp for reduction of the syndesmosis results in better reduction and a lower rate of redisplacement than manual reduction. However, these concepts have never been scientifically evaluated. ⋯ The clinical outcomes did not differ significantly between the 2 groups (p > .05). Although differences were found in the radiographic measurements, most syndesmoses in both groups were within the normal range at the final follow-up visit, and the 2 methods of syndesmosis reduction provided similar clinical outcomes. Accordingly, the results of the present study suggest that both of these methods are effective and reliable for reduction of the syndesmosis in rotational ankle fractures.