Die Diagnose der instabilen Syndesmosenverletzung – eine Herausforderung

Injuries to the syndesmotic complex can occur isolated or in combination with ankle fractures. Traditionally, syndesmotic injuries are classified into stable, latent-instable and unstable injuries. To date, there is a lack of standardized diagnostic algorithms and classification.

In this review, the authors present the current literature on the diagnosis and classification of isolated, acute syndesmosis injuries. Based on this data, a best-evidence diagnostic and classification algorithm is presented.

The diagnostics should be conducted stepwise and include a structured clinical examination, MRI imaging, and, if necessary, dynamic imaging. The classification should be anatomical, according to the ruptured ligaments of the syndesmotic complex. Injuries to the deltoid complex should be classified separately.