Rupture of the ligament between shin and calf bones

Foot, ankle

RUPTURE OF THE LIGAMENT BETWEEN SHIN AND CALF BONES

Diagnosis: RUPTURE OF THE LIGAMENT BETWEEN SHIN AND CALF BONES
(Syndesmosis rupture)


Anatomy: The shin bone (tibia) and the calf bone (fibula) are held together by a connective tissue membrane (membrana interossea cruris) which is particularly strong at the ankle joint and forms a false joint. This, together with the membrane, is termed syndesmosis tibiofibularis which is strengthened in front and behind with two strong ligaments (ligamentum tibiofibulare anterius & posterius).

  1. Tibiae
  2. Malleolus medialis
  3. Malleolus lateralis
  4. Lig. tibiofibulare anterius
  5. Membrana interossea cruris
  6. Fibulae

LOWER LEG FROM THE FRONT
Cause: The syndesmosis rupture is most often caused by twisting the foot. The rupture is almost always combined with a fracture in the ankle joint, Injuries of the interior tibiofibular syndesmosis. An isolated syndesmosis rupture is quite rare (article-1), (article-2).

Symptoms: Pain in front of the ankle joint between the shin and calf bones. The pain is aggravated when the foot is turned in relation to the shin.

Acute treatment: Click here.

Examination: As the injury is almost always combined with a fracture of the bones in the ankle, an x-ray examination will always be indicative. The x-ray will show the fracture and a possible increase in the distance between the shin and calf bones.

Treatment: Dressing with a bandage and possible surgical intervention dependant upon the presence of a bone fracture.

Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation is dependent upon the course of treatment (conservative/surgical operation), and of possible fractures and their treatment.
Also read rehabilitation, general.

Complications: If there is not a steady improvement in the condition consideration must be given as to whether the diagnosis is correct, or if complications have arisen: