Ankle syndesmotic instability assessment using a three-dimensional distance mapping algorithm: a cadaveric pilot WBCT study

Authors

  • Kevin Dibbern Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, IA, USA.
  • Grayson Talaski Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, IA, USA. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0018-6410
  • Eli Schmidt Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, IA, USA. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6922-5238
  • Ryan Jasper Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, IA, USA. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3448-1300
  • Vineel Mallavarapu Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, IA, USA. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8612-5941
  • Matthew Jones Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, IA, USA. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0773-7286
  • Hannah Stebral Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, IA, USA. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2664-0762
  • Andrew Behrens Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, IA, USA.
  • Kepler Alencar Mendes de Carvalho Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, IA, USA. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1082-6490
  • Ki Chun Kim Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, IA, USA.
  • Nacime Salomão Barbachan Mansur Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, IA, USA. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1067-727X
  • César de César Netto Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, IA, USA.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30795/jfootankle.2022.v16.1673

Keywords:

Joint instability, Orthopedic procedures, Syndesmosis, Tomography, x-ray computed, Weight-bearing

Abstract

Objective: This cadaveric pilot study was to develop a weight bearing computed tomography (WBCT) three-dimensional (3D) distance mapping algorithm that would allow for detection of syndesmotic instability. Methods: Pilot study, two cadaveric specimens. Syndesmotic instability was induced by release of all syndesmotic ligaments through a conventional lateral ankle approach. WBCT imaging under simulated weight bearing was acquired before and after syndesmotic destabilization. Syndesmotic incisura and ankle gutter distances were assessed using a 3D distance mapping WBCT algorithm. Results: We found increases in the overall mean syndesmotic distances in the injured syndesmosis when compared to pre-injury state, and color coded distance maps allowed easy interpretation of the syndesmotic widening following ligament sectioning and destabilization of the syndesmotic joint. Conclusion: The WBCT 3D distance mapping algorithm has the potential to allow detection of mild syndesmotic instability with a relatively ease of interpretation by using color-coded distance maps. Level of Evidence V; Cadaveric Study.

Downloads

Published

2022-12-20

How to Cite

Dibbern, K., Talaski, G., Schmidt, E., Jasper, R., Mallavarapu, V., Jones, M., … de César Netto, C. (2022). Ankle syndesmotic instability assessment using a three-dimensional distance mapping algorithm: a cadaveric pilot WBCT study. Journal of the Foot & Ankle, 16(3), 190–194. https://doi.org/10.30795/jfootankle.2022.v16.1673

Issue

Vol. 16 No. 3 (2022): Journal of the Foot and Ankle

Section

Original Article

License

Copyright (c) 2022 Journal of the Foot & Ankle

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.