Arthroscopic-assisted fibular synthesis and syndesmotic stabilization of a complex unstable ankle injury

Traditional treatment of complex ankle fracture consists of open reduction and internal fixation. Nevertheless, this treatment can delay fracture healing and cause prolonged oedema. The surgeon should consider necessity of early recovery when treating athletes, especially football players. In this light, it was decided to perform an arthroscopy-assisted percutaneous minimal osteosynthesis of a fibular fracture together with a syndesmotic disruption in order to permit the patient, a 24-year-old male, to resume quicker and easier full sport activities. The outcome was good and allowed patient to play soccer since 6 months following surgery. The complete and detailed articular evaluation provided by the arthroscope permitted to manage carefully a complex articular traumatism, avoiding the necessity of plating the fracture and improving a rapid full recovery of the joint function.