Removal of Syndesmal Screws: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Ankle fracture is quite common in the emergency. This can generate a rupture of the syndesmosis generating instability of the joint. The surgical treatment of syndesmosis is based on the placement of trans-syndesmosis screws. The syndesmosis takes 3 months after surgery to recover. After this time many doctors are in favor of the removal of these screws, but others are against. There is not much scientific evidence, therefore, there is no consensus on the subject. Material and methods: A systematic review including 10 clinical trial and randomized trial type articles searched on the Pubmed and Cochrane library platforms. Results: 10 works were evaluated regarding the removal or not of transindesmal screws where it was observed that there is no consensus and not enough evidence to objectify the best management.. Conclusion: It was concluded that there was no significant improvement in the removal of syndesmotic screws