Effect of Internal Fixation Combined With Inferior Tibiofibular Ligament Repair on Healing Quality of Ankle Fracture With Inferior Tibiofibular Joint Injury

Objective To investigate the clinical effect of internal fixation combined with anterior ligament repair of lower tibiofibular syndesmosis in the treatment of ankle fracture with lower tibiofibular syndesmosis injury. Methods From November 2017 to December 2021, 94 patients with ankle fracture and lower tibiofibular syndesmosis injury were selected as the research objects. According to the random number table generated by statistical software, the patients with ankle fracture and lower tibiofibular syndesmosis injury were divided into a combined group and a control group with 47 cases in each group. The patients in the combined group were treated with internal fixation combined with anterior ligament repair of lower tibiofibular syndesmosis, whereas the patients in the control group were treated with internal fixation combined with lower tibiofibular syndesmosis fixation. The operation time, bleeding volume, hospitalization time, and fracture healing time of the 2 groups were compared. Results The operation time of the combined group was longer than that of the control group (P < 0.05). The amount of bleeding, hospitalization time, and fracture healing time of the 2 groups were compared and analyzed (P > 0.05). The parameters of the lower tibiofibular space and the parameters of the lower tibiofibular overlap were compared between the combined group and the control group before operation and 3 and 6 months after operation. The parameters of the lower tibiofibular space in the combined group were lower than those in the control group at 3 and 6 months after the operation, and the parameters of the lower tibiofibular overlap at 3 months after the operation were higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion Internal fixation was combined with anterior ligament repair of lower tibiofibular syndesmosis in the treatment of ankle fracture with lower tibiofibular syndesmosis injury. Although the operation time is prolonged, it has a considerable effect on improving the reduction effect, promoting the recovery of joint function and reducing surgical complications.