ZipTight Fixation for Ankle Syndesmosis

Overview

This technique is used to stabilize an ankle after injury. It can be used to repair a high ankle sprain, which damages the soft tissue structures between the tibia and fibula and causes these bones to separate. It can also be used to stabilize a fracture of the fibula. The ZipTight™ system anchors the ends of the tibia and fibula together with a braided polyethylene cord, rather than with a rigid surgical screw, to restore the original position of the bones and to allow for proper healing.

Preparation

In preparation for the procedure, the patient is positioned and anesthetized, and the surgeon makes an incision on the outer side of the ankle to access the joint. If bony fragments have broken loose from the fibula, they are either removed or stabilized, and if the fibula has separated, the pieces are realigned.

Repairing the Fibula

The surgeon typically repairs the fibula by attaching a fixation plate. This plate is held in place by surgical screws. After the fibula has been stabilized, its relationship to the tibia can be restored and reinforced with the ZipTight™ system.

Inserting the ZipTight™

With the aid of a guidewire, the surgeon drills a tunnel through one of the lower holes of the fixation plate, through the fibula and all the way through the tibia. The surgeon passes the ToggleLoc™ device, threaded with the ZipLoop™ cord, through this tunnel. Once it has cleared the tibia, the ToggleLoc™ is pulled back toward the tunnel. This causes it to swivel and lay flat against the tibial bone.

Anchoring the Bones

The surgeon pulls the ends of the ZipLoop™ cord to tighten the system, drawing a metal button against the fixation plate on the fibula. No knot is needed – once it is pulled tight, the ZipLoop™ cord remains tight, stabilizing the joint. If additional stability is needed, the surgeon may choose to drill a second hole and place a second ZipTigh™t.

End of Procedure and Aftercare

When the procedure is complete, the incisions are closed and the ankle is placed in a splint. Typically, the patient will not be able to bear weight on the ankle for six to twelve weeks, depending on surgeon preference. Once the doctor has determined that the ankle has healed properly, the patient can begin rehabilitation. Unlike the traditional screw syndesmosis reduction, the patient will typically not need to have the hardware removed before returning to unrestricted athletic activity.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.